Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees
It certainly is a debate. The argument over a real vs. artificial Christmas tree has some deep emotion attached to it. I grew up with a real tree at my grandparents house. When I got married we had artificial. Not long ago we started getting a real tree, and now we have both! This year we have two artificial trees (already up), and we’ll pick out our real tree in the coming weeks.
We have decorated many of our clients homes for Christmas and real trees seem to be the overall favourite.
There is a lot to love about a real tree, yet an artificial tree begs a convenience factor. Regardless of what side you’re on, or if you’re somewhere in neutral territory, there are pros and cons to either option and we’ve got the deets!
REAL - Pros
the smell
a natural look and feel
better for the environment
the experience of choosing it
you don’t have to ‘fluff’ it
variety of height and size
no need for storage
supporting local
REAL - Cons
later set up required
needs to be fed and watered
prone to shed needles
unable to manipulate branches to hold heavier ornaments
more costly (purchase a new tree every year)
you have to string your own lights
Types of live trees we find in Alberta:
balsam fir
white spruce
lodgepole PINE
ARTIFICIAL - Pros
set up anytime
lights are pre-strung
ability to manipulate branches for heavier ornaments
useful for more than one year
zero maintenance
base included
one time investment for years of enjoyment
ARTIFICIAL - Cons
looks artificial
wears down over the years
fluffing required
investment required for as real looking as possible
storage required
not ideal for the environment
Types of artificial trees:
Flocked
evergreen
all white
Do you have a preference? Either way, we hope your tree is full of beautiful decorations and lasting memories.