Christmas
Pros & Cons Real Live Christmas Tree vs. Artificial Christmas Tree
Pros & Cons Real Live Christmas Tree vs. Artificial Christmas Tree
Christmas trees have not always been a tradition on Christmas. Generally, it is believed that the Germans included this tree in the Christmas celebration more than 400 years ago. The Hessian armed forces brought this tree to America, who were paid to fight for the British throughout the Revolutionary War. Today, a Christmas tree has become a universal part of Christmas.
Now, you can order all kinds of artificial trees that you like as they come in a wide range of species and genus. Also, you can get flocked Christmas trees, commercial trees, garlands, unlit Christmas trees, specialty trees, wreaths and more!
In the past, artificial trees looked nothing like a real Christmas tree. However, they now continue to look like a real Christmas tree. Many of them are manufactured to look like diverse species of pines and firs. So, it is a debate now for most families during the holiday season whether they should go for an artificial Christmas tree or a real one. Have a look at the pros and cons of getting an artificial Christmas tree and a real Christmas tree!
Pros & Cons of a Real Live Christmas Tree
Pros
A genuine Christmas tree can add a pleasant scent and life to your cozy place during the holiday season. However, these trees are the perfect choice for all families.
- Real trees support farmers
When purchasing live trees, you lend support to farmers, their workers, and even the entire local economy. So, you can purchase a real Christmas tree if you want to help people right there in your country and support the entire Christmas tree industry.
- Real trees are renewable resources
Some people believe that they do a favor to the environment by not cutting down natural trees. However, on average, a real Christmas tree grows seven years before they are enough tall for cutting down. So, for seven years, they produce oxygen and lessen carbon dioxide emissions.
Every year, farmers grow around 350 million trees over the country. This land provides abode to wildlife like birds and preserves green space. Whenever a tree is cut, farmers grow 1-2 seedlings for the next year.
- Look for the perfect Christmas tree
Going out for finding your Christmas tree is quite fun. It even helps in relieving and reducing holiday stress. All trees are unique in their own ways and the moments you actually spend to find your own tree make memories with family and friends.
That’s pretty true if you go to a tree farm and cut down a live tree. During the holidays, these tree farms also have other beautiful attractions like wagon rides, bonfires, locally baked or handmade goods, and caroling.
- Real trees are recyclable
Another advantage of choosing a real tree is that you can recycle it at the season’s end and turn it into mulch. This is perfect as compared to a plastic Christmas tree that is not at all recyclable. Also, some areas employ recycled Christmas trees for creating fish habitats in lakes and ponds, shore up coastal dunes, and restore stream banks.
Cons
Despite its pros, there are various cons to purchasing a live Christmas tree. So, here are some disadvantages to consider.
- Allergic to some
Live Christmas trees carry mold spores, which cause allergic reactions in several people. Some potential reactions comprise watery eyes, sneezing, sinus congestion, coughing, an itchy nose, and shortness of breath.
Plus, mold counts from a live tree could be higher. Therefore, it is best to shake debris before you bring in your Christmas tree. After that, rinse your tree thoroughly and leave out the same for drying overnight.
Also, timing is even important. The best method to decrease allergy symptoms is to leave the tree for around 5-7 days. After that time, mold spores increase dramatically.
- Artificial trees are a fire hazard
When you do not water your real tree regularly, it can dry out and become a dangerous fire hazard. This is because a real tree dries out quickly and even goes out of control in comparison with a well-watered Christmas tree that burns slowly.
During the holidays, for preventing a home fire, you need to keep your tree well-watered and ensure it is kept well away from flames like a fireplace and candles. Inspect a holiday light for ensuring there are no faulty bulbs or exposed wires that may cause a fire spark. Also, it is important for taking down and recycling your Christmas tree rapidly after your holidays.
Pros & Cons of an Artificial Christmas Tree
Walk into retailers during the holiday seasons and you will see lots and lots of beautifully decorated plastic Christmas trees. They are so good that you do not need to purchase one every year. However, they have downsides too!
Pros
- Artificial trees are less work
Many people believe that they can deal with artificial trees better. Now, they come pre-lit so that they do not need to spend time stringing and untangling lights. There is no need to water them and clean-up foliage or pine needles. Also, you do not have to think about disposing of artificial trees since they can be stored for the next year.
- Artificial trees are less expensive
They are less expensive as they can be reused every year. If you take proper care of them, these trees can last longer.
- Fake trees look realistic
Artificial trees have arrived a long way as they were introduced in the 1930s for the first time. Nowadays, plastic trees appear exactly like a real thing. One can reuse them every year. So, that’s why they are an affordable option in long run.
Cons
- Artificial trees are unhealthy
These trees are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, steel, and aluminum. PVC plastic is resistant to fire but they contain harmful chemicals like phthalates, lead, and arsenic, which are called endocrine disruptors. Also, lead is harmful to everyone, especially young children who can put tree fronds in the mouth.
- These trees are not environment-friendly
While you can recycle real Christmas trees, artificial trees cannot. Ultimately, these trees can end up in landfills. However, fake trees can make less impact on the environment if you use them for 6-9 years before purchasing another one.
- These trees are fire-hazardous
Dried-out live Christmas trees are a fire hazard, however, so are fake trees. Fake trees collect dust over time, which could be highly flammable. Although retailers spray these trees with fire retardants, fake trees can still burn.
