Sunflower Light Pro / Shutterstock.com
Interestingly, figures show that if an artificial tree is safely stored and reused for around 7 years, it has a lesser environmental impact than a real tree, but when artificial trees have a shorter time span, the argument for real trees stacks up. For example, a 6.5ft artificial tree has carbon emissions of around 40kg when manufacturing and transport are taken into account. A natural tree will only have around 4kg.
The roots
Evergreens have been used symbolically around the winter solstice since the time of the Romans and ancient Egyptians. Candlelit trees first began to appear in America in the 1830s, when German immigrants displayed the beautiful trees in their homes. When Queen Victoria presented an image of her family standing around their Christmas tree in their annual Royal card, a new fashion began - and the trend rapidly took off.
Interestingly, artificial trees were spotted as far back as the 1880s, when German households used decorated goose feather trees in a bid to prevent over-forestation of firs. In the 1900s, the Addis Brush Company in the USA devised an artificial tree based on their toilet brush line, and by the 60s the trend for artificial trees was well underway, with silver aluminium being the most popular style.
Today, many families prefer the convenience, durability and reusability of artificial trees, which can be brought out year after year.
Pros and cons of having a real Christmas tree
There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of tree. For example, real trees are lovely to look at and have the wonderful pine scent that naturally fragrances a home. They are also biodegradable and free from chemicals and can be burned or chipped after use to provide energy or to provide soil benefits. Releasing carbon back into the atmosphere; but only the carbon that the tree absorbed during its growth phase.
It's interesting to note that around 10% of tree-growing farms and forests are felled for Christmas trees each year and can be farmed as part of forestry management. Some smaller ones can be replanted after use so that they live on in the garden.
On the other hand, they require maintenance once cut, and are expensive for single-use decoration. Real Christmas trees are also messy, and the needles can be painful for animals or young children if they gather in carpets or rugs.
Pros and cons of having an artificial Christmas tree
Artificial trees get a bad reputation for being made out of plastic which is non-biodegradable, and for potentially containing chemicals as well as synthetic ingredients. They also don't have the natural fragrance, and arguably, may lack the romance of a real tree. However, there are plenty of advantages to artificial trees. For example, they can be used year after year, and they’re very easy to decorate - requiring no maintenance.
Artificial trees come in a wide range of colours, shapes and sizes and can even be prelit, and decorated. They have no needle drops and can be put up as early as you like. The cost is also far more affordable when the tree is reused over multiple years. Store them properly and you'll have an investment that lasts for years to come.
Be prepared
If you are tempted to invest in an artificial Christmas tree this year, it's well worth investing in proper plastic storage solutions to maximise its lifespan. Carefully pack your tree away at the end of the season, keep it somewhere dry and cool, and it will look perfect and good to go next year!
Have a tree-mendous Christmas
There are arguments for and against both real and artificial trees and ultimately every family will have its own preferences based on their own priorities and circumstances.
Whatever you choose, we hope you love the experience of decorating and enjoying your beautiful festive Christmas tree this year!