Every year, families celebrating Christmas have to make a choice: real pine, or fake.
Polarizing opinions on which Christmas tree type is best often becomes a hot topic during the holidays, and it leaves many people wondering if it’s time to shake up their tradition. With so many conflicting takes, the decision isn’t easy; however, making an educated choice based on your lifestyle, interests, and home will set you up for evergreen success. Check out the following pros and cons of these holiday centerpieces!

Real Trees

Pros:

• Real pines come from nearby tree farms, and purchasing them supports the local economy.
• They’re incredibly renewable; for every tree cut down, a new one is planted.
• Making a yearly selection ensures that your tree will be unique every year, and you can always pick one to suit your current living space.
• After being shed, pine needles can be added to the garden or compost as a very helpful fertilizer.
• Nothing can beat a fresh pine scent for the holidays!

Cons:

• You’ll need to water them every day that they’re in your home, and clean up their dropped needles.
• If they’re not properly cared for with water, the dry needles can become a major fire hazard when strung up with electric lights.
• Picking one out and taking it home will take time each year.
• Proper disposal can be difficult (don’t forget to check out our guide on managing your tree after the holidays).
• Costs can stack, since you’re buying a new tree each year.

Artificial trees

Pros:

• Over time, you save money on tree costs, since artificial trees are a one time purchase.
• No risk of dry needles causing a fire hazard in your home.
• Plastic needles won’t shed all over your floor!
• Once you set it up for the holidays, it’s management free.
• There’s no limit on how long you can leave an artificial tree up – you can enjoy them year round, if you’re so inclined.

Cons:

• Most are sourced abroad and shipped in, meaning they don’t support the local economy.
• Made of petroleum, a non-renewable resource.
• Lacks classic authenticity.
• Purchasing one can be a big commitment, since you have to choose one that will suit you for years to come.
• They take up storage space year round when not in use.