As the year ends, many of us start thinking about twinkling lights and the cosy feeling of a decorated living room. The highlight of it all is the Christmas tree.
That said, before you can start hanging those ornaments and tinsel, you first have to decide whether you want a real or synthetic one. The thing is that there is no catch-all solution.
So, let us look into the pros and cons of each.
The Appeal of Live Christmas Trees
A real holiday conifer has unquestionably magic-like qualities when it comes to setting up the holiday mood. The fresh, piney scent filling your home and the natural, imperfect beauty of its branches create an authentic Christmas atmosphere.
Real trees offer a genuine holiday experience that synthetic ones cannot replicate. Picking spruce trees from a nearby farm or market is an annual tradition that many families find exciting and nostalgic.
The most common kinds found at Christmas tree UK providers, such as the Norway Spruce and the Nordmann Fir, accentuate that classic appeal.
The Advantages of Real Trees
If you are looking to transform your home into a winter wonderland, live firs are the perfect choice.
Setting aside sentiment, let’s explore the benefits of choosing live Christmas trees.
Authenticity
Real trees, with their uneven form and fresh pine aroma, bring nature into your house. The visual and smell of a real conifer cannot be replaced, especially if you appreciate authenticity.
Each tree has its own character, with unique branches and shapes that tell a story, enhancing the charm of your festive decor.
Sustainability
Christmas tree farms are environmentally conscious. Usually planted to replace the ones taken in the previous season, the conifers on these farms are also great carbon sinks.
They can also be recycled or composted following the holidays to reduce waste.
Community Support
Purchasing a real holiday fir from a farm located in the UK promotes regional farming, thus boosting the economy and safeguarding conventional farming.
Many tree farms also provide a holiday experience for families, complete with hot cocoa and sleigh rides.
The Disadvantages of Real Trees
Although live Christmas trees give your holiday much charm and warmth, they also have some disadvantages that buyers should take into consideration.
Here are some of the major cons you want to keep in mind before making your choice.
Maintenance
Real trees need water to remain fresh throughout the festive season. Neglect will cause them to dry out and begin dropping needles. This can be a pain, especially if you have visitors and do not want to deal with a messy living room.
Time Limitations
Having a life conifer usually only makes sense for the holiday season. Most people get rid of their trees after Christmas is over.
Although it is part of the holiday appeal, it can be wasteful, particularly if you consider the environmental impacts of this.
Allergies
Authentic Christmas firs can occasionally set off allergic reactions. They are also a petri dish for mould spores and pollen. These allergens can accumulate on the tree while it is outside and become airborne when you bring it in.
This would mean either discomfort or aggravation of symptoms for people suffering from asthma or any respiratory conditions.
The Convenience of Artificial Christmas Trees
Conversely, fake conifers have become rather fashionable. This is true for busy households where convenience sometimes trumps effort.
From frosted to pre-lit variations, they come in a range of forms, sizes, and designs and offer a hassle-free substitute for their natural counterparts.
The Pros of Artificial Trees
Fake variants come with a plenty of advantages that can make the holiday even more enjoyable. So, here are some key benefits you get when choosing an artificial conifer during the festive season.
Low Maintenance
One of the main appeals of an artificial tree is its simplicity. Watering it, cleaning up dropped needles, or fretting about it drying up before Christmas are all not necessary. You can set it up and just forget about it until it is time to pull it down.
Longevity
Though initially more expensive than a genuine tree, a synthetic fir pays for itself after a few years of use.
You only have to purchase it once, and then it is yours for many holiday seasons to come. Families on a tight budget are more likely to find this an attractive choice.
Symmetry
From flawlessly proportional and snow-dusted options to pre-lit with twinkling lights and even multi-coloured ones, faux trees come in a variety of designs.
They are the best choice if you have your heart set on a picture-perfect tree free of the flaws of a live one.
The Cons of Fake Trees
While artificial Christmas trees have their merits, they also come with several drawbacks that could spoil your holiday spirit. Some of the not-so-welcome aspects to consider are the following.
Biodegradability
Artificial conifers are reusable but by no means the most environmentally friendly. Most are made of PVC, a material that is neither recyclable nor biodegradable.
Furthermore, many of these trees are imported, meaning a bigger carbon footprint.
Storage Problems
While you only have to purchase the tree once, it occupies an inordinate amount of space for those remaining eleven months of the year.
This is particularly a challenge if you live in a small home or apartment where literally every square metre counts.
Moreover, finding a suitable storage solution can become an additional chore, as you will need to ensure it is protected from dust and damage while tucked away.
Lack of Tradition
Some believe that an artificial tree cannot match the appeal of a natural one, regardless of how real it looks.
Venturing out to a tree farm, with the delightful scent of pine in the air, creates a special experience. The tangible connection to nature is an irreplaceable part of the holiday spirit.
Choosing a faux tree often feels like missing out on cherished family traditions that many hold dear.
Which One Is More Eco-Friendly?
British homes striving to lower their environmental footprint give great thought to sustainability. At first, the answer seems simple since real trees are biodegradable, natural, and can be composted. However, it is not always that straightforward.
If a real tree comes from a nearby sustainable farm, its carbon footprint will be quite low. Yet, the improper disposal of it can greatly increase it. A decomposing tree delivered to a landfill can release methane, which is a strong greenhouse gas.
Conversely, fake trees can survive up to 10 or even 15 years if well cared for, but they demand major resources and energy to make. They also necessitate worldwide shipment.
Research indicates that an artificial fir should be reused at least 8 to 10 years to be greener than buying a new tree every year.
More Alternatives
If sustainability worries you, you can also take a look at Christmas tree outlets, as they have rental options.
This new trend lets you enjoy a real tree for the festive season. Afterwards, it is replanted to thrive for the next year, therefore lowering environmental damage and waste.
Conclusion
Ultimately, lifestyle and personal taste determine whether one should go for a genuine or synthetic Christmas tree. Choosing a fresh pine tree could be ideal for you if you appreciate authenticity and want to support local farmers.
On the other hand, if your major concerns are convenience, low maintenance, and long-term cost savings, an artificial tree could be the wiser choice.
Though all options are not 100% perfect, the most crucial thing is the warmth and joy you will feel when gathering around your tree with loved ones.