Real vs. Artificial Christmas Tree: What’s Right for You?

By TheChristmas.com Holiday Hub 

7 minute read

Every holiday season, one classic question makes its way into living rooms and group chats everywhere: Should we get a real tree or stick with the artificial one? Both have their perks and drawbacks - a real tree looks and smells amazing, but an artificial tree is less messy and lasts year after year (a win-win for the budget-conscious). Whether you are considering Balsam Hill's trees as a premium option for consumers seeking long-lasting, realistic artificial Christmas trees or looking for the perfect real Christmas tree, we’ve got you covered.

Recently, we asked this exact question on Reddit and found ourselves in the middle of a surprisingly passionate debate - everyone has an opinion on holiday trees and isn’t afraid to share. The truth is, when it comes to real vs artificial trees, there is no right answer.

People have strong opinions — and strong traditions — on both sides. Some love the smell and nostalgia of real pine. Others prefer the convenience of their faithful pre-lit tree that pops up in minutes and never drops its needles.

If you’re on the fence about which type of tree to buy this holiday season, then we might have a few answers to help you decide. We’ve pulled together real user insights, environmental data, expert sources, and a few holiday hacks to help you decide which tree might be best for you this year.

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Types of Christmas Trees

There are several types of real Christmas trees available, including fir, spruce, and pine. Local tree lots often carry specific Christmas tree species that are native to their region, which can limit the availability of popular types as the holidays approach. Artificial Christmas trees come in dozens of species, shapes, sizes, and lighting options to suit different spaces and preferences.

When it comes time to explore the Christmas tree lot for a live holiday tree, you’ll want to consider things like freshness, such as when the tree was cut or if the tree’s needles are showing any signs of drying out.

Some popular types of artificial Christmas trees include pre-lit trees, slim trees, and full-sized trees. Balsam Hill’s artificial Christmas trees, for instance, feature realistic needles and meticulously crafted branch tips that are designed to resemble the natural beauty of real trees.

When choosing an artificial Christmas tree, consider factors such as tree height, shape, and lighting options to find the perfect one for your holiday season.

The Real Christmas Tree Experience

Real trees are more than decorations — they’re a full sensory experience. The smell of pine, the family trip to the tree lot (or tree farm), the quiet satisfaction of watering it each morning. But they’re not for everyone. They require care and don’t come cheap. 

Here’s what to expect if you’re going natural this holiday season:

Why People Love Them

Smells Like Christmas: That unmistakable scent is the #1 reason Redditors go real. One user put it perfectly: “The scent is unbeatable. It hits you right when you walk in.”

Eco-Friendly (If Disposed Properly): Real trees absorb carbon dioxide (about 3.5 kg per 2-meter tree) while growing, and they release oxygen. If you compost or mulch them after the season, they won’t release methane in a landfill. (Carbon Trust)

Sustainability Built In: For every real tree harvested, U.S. farms plant one to three new ones. There are about 350–500 million Christmas trees growing on farms at any given time. (NCTA)

Local Support: Buying from a farm or lot supports more than 100,000 seasonal jobs in the U.S.

What to Consider

They Need Love: Real trees require daily watering to stay fresh. Skip a day, and you’ll start seeing brown needles everywhere.

Short Shelf Life: Most stay green for 4–6 weeks, so don’t buy too early unless you’re up for a mid-December swap-out.

Costs Add Up: With climate pressures affecting farms, real tree prices have gone up — often $80 to $200, depending on where you live. 

Allergies:  Some families report allergy flare-ups due to mold spores, which can grow in live trees as they age

Fire Risk: Another factor to think about is that an aging natural holiday tree can become a fire hazard near heat sources. (NFPA)

Tips for Picking & Caring

✓ Freshness Test: You’ll need to consider how fresh the tree is before making a purchase. Gently pull a branch — fresh trees won’t shed easily.

✓ Best Varieties: Fraser firs and Nordmann firs hold needles best if you are seeking a long lasting tree that looks amazing and doesn’t readily drop its leaves. 

✓ Daily Watering Is Key: Cut one inch off the base before placing the tree in water. Remember to regularly check the water level and refill daily if needed.

✓ Keep It Cool: Position away from radiators or fireplaces, which can quickly dry out the tree and may even pose a fire risk.  

✓ Recycle Right: Check with your city or local farms for composting or mulching programs after the holidays. Many areas offer free tree pickup after the holidays by outfits like the Boy Scouts. 

The Artificial Tree Advantage

Artificial trees are popular for good reason — they’re low-maintenance, reusable, and often pre-lit. Artificial Christmas trees can effectively fill and enhance larger spaces, creating a fuller and more vibrant atmosphere. They’ve also come a long way from the shiny, plastic-looking versions of the past, created to bring joy to holiday decorating.

For busy households or those with allergies, they’re a solid choice. But just like real trees, they come with trade-offs that you’ll want to weigh when considering which to buy, a real vs artificial Christmas tree.

Why People Love Them

Convenience First: No watering, no pine needles, no last-minute lot visits. 

Reusable for Years: Many trees last 5 to 20 years, making them cheaper over time. Even higher-end models ($300–$800) can pay for themselves within a few seasons. 

Safe for Allergies: No pollen, no mold, no sap — great for families with sensitivities.

Fire-Resistant: Most artificial trees are made with flame-retardant materials, adding peace of mind.

What to Consider

Bigger Carbon Footprint: One artificial tree generates about 40 kg of CO₂ during production — that’s 10x more than a real tree that’s composted. 

Non-Recyclable Materials: Artificial trees are made from PVC, which isn’t biodegradable. Most are also manufactured in China and shipped long distances, adding to their carbon cost.

Storage Matters: As with any seasonal item, you’ll need to store an artificial tree when not in use, so you must pick a clean, dry area. Extreme temperatures (like in attics or garages) can ruin the tree.

Looks Vary Widely: When shopping for an artificial tree, you’ll notice that there are noticeable differences between a quality tree and a budget-friendly choice. If you invest in brands like Balsam Hill or National Tree Company, you’ll get a fuller, more realistic appearance.

Smart Shopping Tips

As with anything, it’s best to buy off-season to save the most. Check out  Black Friday and post-Christmas sales, which often offer 30–50% off.

For artificial trees, make sure to purchase breathable storage bags to safely store the tree and keep it from getting dirty. Christmas World has a great selection of bags to choose from.

If you are looking for a high quality artificial tree, checkout:

• Balsam Hill – Premium trees with hyper-realistic needles - the brand’s trees look REAL. 
• National Tree Company – A Reliable mid-range option that offers artificial trees that last throughout the seasons. 

Also, check Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Treetime for great artificial Christmas tree deals during the holiday season.

The Environmental Comparison

We get this question a lot: Which is better for the planet — real or artificial?

Here’s what the research says:

Bottom line: If you compost your real tree, it’s more environmentally friendly. But if you’re using your artificial tree for 7+ years, its impact starts to even out. It’s all about how you use (and dispose of) your tree.

When it’s time to dispose of your artificial Christmas tree, consider recycling options to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. Many artificial Christmas trees are made from recyclable materials such as PVC and PE, which can be repurposed into new products.

Check with your local waste management department to see if they offer special collection programs for artificial Christmas trees. Some manufacturers, like Balsam Hill, are piloting recycling initiatives for their artificial Christmas trees.

By recycling your artificial Christmas tree, you can help reduce landfill waste and contribute to a more sustainable holiday season. This small step can make a big difference in creating a more eco-friendly celebration.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Tree

When buying a Christmas tree, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One of the most common mistakes is not considering the space where the tree will be placed. You might think you can buy a bigger tree than your space will comfortably allow. 

Make sure to measure the room and choose a tree that fits comfortably, leaving enough space for ornaments and lighting options. You don’t want the tree to look crowded or there not to be enough room to place presents around the tree’s base. 

Another mistake many people make when choosing a Christmas tree is not checking the quality of the tree, especially if you’re buying an artificial one. Look for trees with realistic needles and branch tips. 

Finally, don’t forget to consider the setup and storage of the tree, as well as the cost of any additional accessories, such as tree stands and garlands.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can find the perfect Christmas tree for your holiday season and create a winter wonderland that will delight your family and friends for years to come.

So… What’s the Best Choice?

Here’s the truth — it depends on you. Your space. Your time. Your budget. Your traditions. 

Some families even do both — a small real tree for the living room, and an artificial one decked out for photos and gifts.

If you’re still deciding, here’s a quick breakdown to make the decision  easy: 

Want to show off your real or artificial Christmas tree this season? Tag us on Instagram @TheChristmascom and show us your tree!