It has been estimated that of those Americans who have a Christmas tree around the holidays, 75-80% of them have an artificial tree – helping account for an industry valued at $1 billion and growing at an estimated rate of 4% each year despite their reusability.
For many holiday decorators, they’re easy, convenient, cost-effective in the long run, and will pretty much last forever without any tree pruning necessary.
But don’t count out real Christmas trees just yet. Experts estimate that about 20 million real Christmas trees are sold each year – most often at Home Depot and Costco (though the number could be higher as independent tree lots and farms are often scattered and harder to report).
While convenience is the ultimate allure of having an artificial Christmas tree, what are the advantages of buying a real Christmas tree – especially one grown from a dedicated Christmas tree farm.
Hann’s Christmas Farm says, “Each holiday season, shoppers find themselves confronted with a choice: celebrate with a fresh, real tree, or one that is artificial plastic or aluminum. What most people don’t realize is that the best choice has always been the traditional and natural choice – a real Christmas tree.”
Here are some compelling reasons to consider a real Christmas tree this holiday season.
Environmental Benefits
- Real Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gases while growing
- They stabilize the soil, which helps protect water supplies
- They provide a safe place for wildlife to inhabit
Renewable Benefits
- Real Christmas trees are replanted consistently (for every tree that’s cut down, one to three new trees are planted)
- Artificial trees are discarded every six to nine years (on average), clogging up landfills
Recyclable Benefits
- Real Christmas trees are biodegradable and can be replanted (if the root ball is retained) or recycled into valuable mulch around garden beds and landscapes.
The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) takes the guesswork out of choosing a real Christmas tree and the tree care necessary for it to last all season long. Visit their FAQ page for invaluable information before making a purchasing decision.
