Choose the tree that best fits your home, budget, and holiday style.
Your Christmas tree is the showstopping centerpiece of your holiday décor and the anchor to many of your fondest winter memories. Whether you’re decorating a new home, upgrading your family tree, or looking for a tree that better fits your space, the decision between a real and artificial tree comes down to a number of factors like setup, upkeep, storage, style, and which kind of tree fits in best in your home while staying within your budget. Here’s how to decide which type of tree works best for your space, lifestyle, and wallet.
Convenience
Consider an Artificial Tree if:
You want an easy, stress-free setup. Artificial trees are designed to be set up in a few simple steps so that you won’t have to deal with aggravations like thinning out branches or getting the trunk perfectly straight in a stand like you would with a real tree. Many artificial trees also come pre-lit (like our Princeton Fraser Fir), so you don’t have to deal with tangled lights. A smoother tree setup will help you feel far less Scrooge-like on tree trimming day so that you can get to decorating and making memories faster!
A Real Tree Might be More Convenient if:
You move often or don’t have a ton of storage space. Like a beloved holiday house guest, it helps brighten up the season but knows when to make a graceful exit. Once Christmas is over, you can dispose of a real tree by recycling it. A real tree is likely a more practical solution if you don’t want to have to pack it up (for a move or to take up precious closet space).
Appearance
An Artificial Tree is Your Best Bet if:
You want the look of a natural tree without the hassle! Today’s artificial trees look remarkably realistic, especially when you choose a style that matches the fullness and branch texture that you love most. At National Tree Company, we categorize our trees from Realistic to Most Realistic to Ultra Realistic, making it easier to compare options and find the look that matches your preference. Trees like our Ultra Realistic Norwegian Spruce are made of Feel Real® PE and high-quality PVC branch tips that are molded from real trees. And if you want to add Real. Fresh-Cut. Scent. to your evergreen, check out Scentsicles scented ornament sticks.
Pick a Real Tree if:
You love the one-of-a-kind character of a fresh tree. The natural shape, distinct scent, and texture of a real spruce or fir can be a major draw, especially if a visit to the tree farm is part of your family’s annual tradition. Or maybe you just enjoy the quirkiness of a Charlie Brown-esque tree. If unique charm is your preference, a real tree may be the way to go.
Upkeep
An Artificial Tree is Best if:
You like keeping your tree up for as long as possible with no intensive caretaking. Does your Christmas spirit become undeniable the day after Halloween or even earlier (we won’t judge!)? Does the holiday season not end for you until Valentine’s Day (still not judging!)? An artificial tree is for you! Unlike a real tree, faux firs remain perfectly evergreen for as many weeks (or years!) as you’d like, don’t shed needles or sap, and don’t require watering. They’re the perfect low-maintenance merry maker!
A Real Tree is Ideal if:
You’re committed to taking care of a tree the entire holiday season. Real trees require regular watering, and even the most well-cared-for ones will shed at least some needles. But if the tree is set up away from any heat sources (like vents and fireplaces) and you’re attentive to the tree’s watering needs, a real tree can see you through several weeks of holiday cheer.
Cost
Invest in an Artificial Tree if:
You’re thinking about long-term value. A quality artificial tree is an upfront investment, but if you reuse it every year, it may ultimately cost less than opening your wallet every December for a fresh tree… which could end up freeing up your holiday budget for other things (like gifts!).
Pay for a Real Tree Every Year if:
You’re on a budget right now but don’t want to deny yourself the decorating experience. While the prices at Christmas tree lots can be steep, buying a one-off tree is less of a financial commitment than buying an artificial tree, which can sometimes run into the hundreds of dollars or more, depending on which one you choose.
Sustainability
An Artificial Tree is for you if:
You are committed to reuse. An artificial tree can last for years if handled and stored with care, reducing the need for constant replacement. (Semi-decorated trees like our Pre-Lit Carolina Pine are built to last for years of joy!) When it is time for a new tree, parts of artificial trees can also be recycled. And if your tree is still in good shape, you may be able to donate it to charitable organizations, which is an excellent way to help reduce waste and spread holiday cheer.
Get a Real Tree if:
You want to easily recycle or even re-plant your tree. It may seem wasteful to use a fresh-cut tree for such a short period of time but there are ways that real Christmas trees can be helpful to the environment after the holiday season, like opting for a tree with its root ball still intact. These trees can be brought inside the house and decorated for the holiday then planted outside when Christmas is over. On the other hand, rootless trees can also have a positive environmental impact when December ends, as many municipalities recycle fresh-cut trees into mulch or compost. And some coastal communities give Christmas trees a second life, using them to build sand dunes and help fight beach erosion!
Still deciding? Think about what matters most to you around the holidays: convenience, style, commitment to upkeep, and budget. The right choice is the one that makes celebrating the holidays more joyful and less stressful!
Think an artificial tree right for you? Compare your options.
