The real vs fake Christmas tree question gets asked every year, and it all depends on what you want out of your Christmas trees. While it would be great to be able to provide you with a definitive answer to this question, what we want to do in this blog is cover the different factors that play a part, and you can decide what is important to you. It's not quite as simple as 'real Christmas tree good & fake Christmas trees bad', unfortunately.
So we are going to tackle the big questions within the debate - are real Christmas trees or artificial trees better for the environment, cost effective, more attractive or better for the local economy? Let's find out!
Real vs Artificial Christmas Tree: Environmental impact
This is quite a complicated factor to kick things off - we know that a plastic tree isn't great for the environment, but is cutting down a load of tree farms better?
Well, while we know that 'deforestation' is certainly a bad thing, most Christmas tree farms will have been created on land that didn't have forests on it before, so it's not the same as ripping down the rainforest... It's always a good idea to check that the real tree that you buy has been grown on a sustainable Christmas tree farm. For every tree purchased, are they replanting?
While a tree is growing, it does contribute to the environment, which should be taken into account when deciding its overall carbon footprint. Most trees sold will have been grown for at least a decade, during which time it will have been absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, as well as providing a habitat for wildlife.
On the other hand, most artificial Christmas trees are made from plastic, and are usually imported (often from China). Before it has even got to the shop, it has already had produced intensive carbon emissions - much more than a locally sourced tree.
Then we come to the disposal of your tree, which may have the biggest impact on its environmental impact - unlike fake trees, real trees are completely biodegradable and can be used for a number of different purposes after they have served their function as a Christmas tree - they can even be made into a fertiliser to help produce next year's crop. Most artificial trees, on the other hand, will not be recyclable and will therefore most likely end up in landfill. You just can't get an eco-friendly fake Christmas tree.
The other option, of course, is a potted tree - these can be reused again and again, like a 'fake' tree, but can also be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way once it eventually dies. In terms of the environmental a pot grown tree is by far the best option to help fight climate change.
Real vs Artificial Christmas Tree: Cost
The price of real Christmas trees can vary dramatically depending on the type of tree, the size, where it was grown and where you are buying it from, so this is a difficult factor to put a definite answer on. Fresh cut trees at around 6ft could cost from around £50 to £100.
For artificial trees, you get a similar range of prices, from around £60 to £200 for a similarly sized tree. The difference here is that you can reuse artificial ones again and again, so the price is effectively spread over a number of years. You would only need to use a plastic tree for a few years in order for it to become more cost effective than a real tree.
Once again though, we should consider pot grown trees, which would be cheaper initially, and would be able to last for a number of years - just as long as you have space in your garden for it during the non-Christmas seasons!
Real vs Artificial Christmas Tree: Aesthetics
The above factors are important, but the main reason we all have a Christmas tree is to celebrate Christmas. That means having a beautiful tree in our house, decorated full of little things that mean a lot to us. It's to make us feel Christmassy.
For that, there is a clear winner here in the real vs fake debate - there is nothing like the look, feel and smell of a live Christmas tree. For many people, Christmas just isn't the same without a real tree.
The one advantage that artificial Christmas trees have here is that they won't shed their needles, but that can be limited on a live tree with a small amount of care.
Real vs Artificial Christmas Tree: Local jobs
Don't underestimate the impact that the holiday season has on the local economy. Christmas tree farms create jobs for people in the area, especially around Christmas. Farmers will require extra help to support them at this time of year, so it does give a boost to the economy. The same cannot be said for imported plastic trees.
Real vs Artificial Christmas Tree: Storage or disposal
We touched on this earlier, but something else you need to consider is what you are going to do with your Christmas tree in January. With an artificial Christmas tree, that means finding somewhere to store it until next Christmas.
With real Christmas trees, that means taking it somewhere to dispose of it properly, and we can't stress enough how important that step is. Fortunately, most local councils will provide facilities for you to take it so that it can be recycled effectively.
Real or Fake Christmas Tree - Conclusion
We should admit to a certain amount of bias here - we much prefer real Christmas trees to artificial ones. While we accept that everyone will have their preferences, we think that there is a real Christmas tree to satisfy most wants and needs.
If you are after a more sustainable Christmas tree, or a more cost effective one, then a pot grown Christmas tree is probably the best way to go - it will last multiple years, and have the same smell and aesthetic as new trees every year.
FAQs
Can you buy Christmas trees as a gift?
Yes, you can buy a Christmas trees as a gift, but we would make sure you know exactly what they want first! You don't want to send an 8ft tree to someone if they don't have the space! Consider our mini trees or have a look at our Christmas plant offers, which could give you some inspiration.
How long do potted Christmas trees last?
It depends on how you look after it, but with the right kind of care, some potted Christmas trees can last for at least three or four years.
Can you plant a potted Christmas tree in your garden?
Yes, you absolutely can plant a potted tree in your garden after you've had it a few years. Once established, it will survive for many years, and you can still decorate it every December with some outdoor lights!