Artificial or Natural: Choosing the Best Christmas Tree for You Is the Most Important
Currently, there is much discussion about whether to choose a natural Christmas tree or an artificial one. Supporters of natural Christmas trees believe that it creates a romantic holiday atmosphere and allows people to get closer to nature. Supporters of artificial Christmas trees, on the other hand, argue that they can be reused and are easier to maintain. I believe that both natural and artificial Christmas trees have their advantages and disadvantages. We must choose the type of Christmas tree that best suits our needs.
What are the features of natural Christmas trees?
Natural Christmas trees have a fresh scent
The fresh scent of a natural Christmas tree is one of the most anticipated parts of the holiday season. According to a survey conducted by the Real Christmas Tree Board in 2023, 94% of respondents who planned to buy a real tree this year believed that it has a pleasant scent that makes people happy. 95% agreed that the scent would bring joy to others. 91% suggested they wanted their children to experience the joy of having a real tree and to be able to smell its scent.
Natural trees are eco-friendly Holiday Decor
They are part of the environment. They are 100% biodegradable and can be recycled, making them environmentally friendly. Additionally, for every Christmas tree that is cut down, a new tree is planted. During their growth, they can help us reduce carbon in the atmosphere and provide shelter and habitat for animals and other beneficial organisms.
Purchasing natural trees helps local vendors
Most people who buy real trees tend to buy from local farms, which support ancillary businesses such as equipment sales and maintenance, providing employment opportunities for the local community.
Natural trees require daily maintenance
Natural trees require daily maintenance, such as watering, fertilizing, sprinkling pesticides, sweeping needles, and cleaning sap. If not properly maintained, they will wither, and I think this should be one of the most troublesome things.
Natural trees have security hazards
Extension cables are commonly used in Christmas trees to hang the lights. Natural Christmas trees must be watered, hence families and pets incur the danger of electrocution should the extension line come across a water source. Natural Christmas trees are susceptible to heat; if one places them near a heat source, like a heater, the branches will wither faster, and the ornamental lights will easily tumble down. What’s more, the heat source will not only make the tree ugly but also have the risk of fire. Artificial Christmas trees are not as likely to catch fire as natural ones, but they are possible.
What are the features of artificial Christmas trees?
Artificial trees are reusable Christmas Decor
Artificial Christmas trees have an average lifespan of 10 years after purchase, while natural ones are just a few weeks. You can reuse the fake Christmas tree every year. If your budget is limited and you don’t want to spend money on a Christmas tree every year, the artificial tree is your best choice. To a certain extent, reusing can help protect the environment (if you ignore the small fact that it is made of plastic). Additionally, most of the artificial ones are segmented, which means they can be taken apart and stored in a storage room, ready to be used again next year
Artificial trees offer No-maintenance
Since the artificial trees are not alive, there is no watering, fertilizing, removing needles, or pruning. Most natural Christmas trees require regular daily maintenance to maintain their vitality, just like indoor plants. At the same time, you don’t have to struggle to light up the decorations every year. Most of the artificial ones already have decorations. There are even some that can be stored in their own suitcase, which is very convenient.
Artificial trees are low risk of allergy
Allergic individuals may experience skin rashes, itching, watery eyes, and sneezing when they come into contact with natural Christmas trees, especially within a few days after being cut down and when pine needles fall off. Nevertheless, artificial trees won’t cause such troubles, allowing you to fully enjoy the holiday.
Artificial trees support customization
In general, if you want to buy a natural Christmas tree, you need to go to a local tree farm, which can be quite inconvenient. However, with artificial trees, you don’t have to go to a farm. You can simply click on the website. Moreover, you can choose the size, slim or strong, sparse or dense, color, and lighting of the tree you want. Some artificial Christmas trees come with an app that allows you to freely change the color and sequence of the lights.
Conclusion
Ultimately, which Christmas tree you choose depends on your preference. The most important thing is that it suits your needs. Before buying, ask yourself if you want to get in touch with nature, if you are willing to pay for regular maintenance, if you are allergic to natural Christmas trees, and if you need customizable services.