The Pros and Cons of Artificial and Real Christmas Trees

Fire Restoration

Choosing between a real Christmas tree and an artificial one can be a tough choice. However, knowing the advantages and disadvantages of both types of trees can help you make an easier decision. So, here are the pros and cons of artificial and real Christmas trees:

Artificial Christmas Trees Pros

  • You can reuse them for many years, saving you money in the long run.
  • They are easy to install, dismantle, and store.
  • Watering and vacuuming needles aren’t required.
  • Most of them are designed to be fire-retardant.
  • Most artificial trees look as attractive as real trees.
  • They don’t trigger allergies.

Artificial Christmas Trees Cons

  • They may be vulnerable to fires caused by candles and electrical malfunctions.
  • Most are made of PVC and chemicals that can be harmful to people and the environment.
  • They are not recyclable or biodegradable, and their production adds to the carbon footprint.

Real Christmas Trees Pros

  • They release the natural aroma of fresh pine that evokes memories of Christmas past.
  • There are thousands of tree recycling programs across the U.S.
  • Real Christmas trees are biodegradable.
  • If it isn’t a cut tree, you can replant it and use it next year.

Real Christmas Trees Cons

  • The cost incurred – buying one every year.
  • You have to water them daily to keep them fresh and increase their resistance to fire.
  • They might harbor mold, fungi or bugs.
  • They are typically more prone to fires, especially if you don’t keep them hydrated.
  • They are usually grown with pesticides that are toxic to animals and, in some cases, people.

After considering all these pros and cons, what’s the better choice? Essentially, it depends on whether you value convenience over authenticity.

Happy holidays and for professional emergency fire damage repair or emergency smoke damage repair, contact your local PuroClean office.

Last edited on 2nd of July 2018