Artificial Christmas Trees vs Live Christmas Trees

Can Artificial Christmas Trees Measure Up to Real Christmas Trees?

Every year in Singapore and all around the World, the dilemma arises of whether to choose an artificial Christmas tree or a real one. For many, the smell of a freshly felled spruce or pine is what the Christmas season is all about.

The season may start with a family tradition of going down to the lot to select a tree together. Even though live trees are favoured by many, artificial trees are growing in popularity because they offer many benefits.

A Realistic Finish

The popularity of artificial Christmas trees means that the techniques used to make them have improved considerably over the years. The best versions no longer look phoney and synthetic.

Today it is difficult to tell the difference between a real one and a fake one. It has become possible to mimic the texture, feel and look of real needles. The new artificial trees also come in pieces that are easy to assemble, a far cry from the ones of the past.

Low Maintenance

One aspect of having a real Christmas tree in the home that even real fans will admit is the mess that it makes. You will probably have to vacuum often throughout the festive season. Real trees also need to stand in water to prevent them from going brown or wilting. This can be disastrous in a house full of children and pets when the pot can be knocked over by accident.

An artificial tree is easy to set up and doesn’t need any attention once it’s up. It doesn’t need water, and its branches do not have to be trimmed. It can be set up well before Christmas and left up for much longer than a real tree.

Easy to Store

One of the disadvantages of having a real Christmas tree is disposing of it after the Christmas season, especially if it’s a large tree. It may not fit in your vehicle and can make a huge mess. A real tree is often heavy and awkward to manoeuvre.

All you need to do with an artificial tree is box it up and store it, so it’s ready to use again. The branches are hinged to the solid centre structure, so they are very easy to fold away and pack. The fact that you can use it time and time again makes your initial investment a great money saver over time.

A Variety of Types, Shapes, and Sizes

Real Christmas trees may be sparse in places and wide at the base. You may not even be able to find one with a really good shape. Some people love real trees with all their imperfections, but others prefer the perfect symmetry of an artificial tree. A nice symmetrical tree gives you a neat, attractive appearance once you’ve added your decorations.

Artificial trees come in a great variety of shapes and sizes. This means that you can pick one to suit your space. Space constraints are a real problem in many homes. If you do not have much floor space, you can opt for a slimline version of an artificial tree that still offers you a decent height.

These trees will fit well even in the smallest apartments. Another option is a dense, green Alpine tree with realistic foliage. Artificial trees come in so many different shades of green you can decide which one suits your home best.

You can even buy frosted or snow-covered artificial trees. Hanging the Christmas lights around the tree is usually the most frustrating and time-consuming part of decorating a tree. If you’re very busy, a pre-lit tree may be the answer for you. If you have very little time to prepare, you can even opt for a pre-decorated tree.

Allergies and safety

Many different moulds are found on Christmas trees, and they tend to flourish when the trees are inside our homes. They can be responsible for triggering allergies and even asthma attacks. If you have allergy sufferers in your household, it may be far better to buy an artificial tree.

Artificial trees are also safer to have in the home because they are flame retardant, unlike real trees which can be a fire hazard as they begin to dry out. However, you still have to be vigilant when using an artificial tree and make sure to follow instructions to prevent the risk of electrical issues when using pre-lit trees. Overloaded electrical outlets are a common cause of fires.

The environment

A real tree is biodegradable so it will decompose naturally without ending up in a landfill. It can be recycled in the form of wood chips, compost or mulch. These trees trap more carbon dioxide than normal trees.

An acre provides enough oxygen for 18 people every day. For every tree that’s chopped down, one or two are planted in its place. If the tree is shipped across the country, this uses gas and causes pollution.

An artificial tree is not biodegradable. It is made from materials such as petroleum-derived plastic. It can be used for many years, but when you dispose of it, it will lie in a landfill. Transportation of these trees increases pollution.

Scent

A real tree adds something to Christmas that an artificial one doesn’t – the scent. It is still quite possible to create that pine aroma with candles or a room spray if you’re using an artificial tree.

The Verdict

When deciding whether you want a live or artificial Christmas tree, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of both types. Neither choice is right or wrong – it simply depends on what works best for you. Artificial trees may be a better option if you’re on a budget, suffer from allergies or have limited space.

One of the sacrifices you make is experiencing that lovely evergreen scent, but this is more than made up for by the many benefits. You will enjoy the ease of maintenance and be able to choose from a huge variety of realistic looking trees in all shapes and sizes.