Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees

It certainly is a debate. The argument over a real vs. artificial Christmas tree has some deep emotion attached to it. I grew up with a real tree at my grandparents house. When I got married we had artificial. Not long ago we started getting a real tree, and now we have both! This year we have two artificial trees (already up), and we’ll pick out our real tree in the coming weeks.

We have decorated many of our clients homes for Christmas and real trees seem to be the overall favourite.

There is a lot to love about a real tree, yet an artificial tree begs a convenience factor. Regardless of what side you’re on, or if you’re somewhere in neutral territory, there are pros and cons to either option and we’ve got the deets!

REAL - Pros

• the smell

• a natural look and feel

• better for the environment

• the experience of choosing it

• you don’t have to ‘fluff’ it

• variety of height and size

• no need for storage

• supporting local

REAL - Cons

• later set up required

• needs to be fed and watered

• prone to shed needles

• unable to manipulate branches to hold heavier ornaments

• more costly (purchase a new tree every year)

• you have to string your own lights

Types of live trees we find in Alberta:

balsam fir

white spruce

lodgepole PINE

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ARTIFICIAL - Pros

• set up anytime

• lights are pre-strung

• ability to manipulate branches for heavier ornaments

• useful for more than one year

• zero maintenance

• base included

• one time investment for years of enjoyment

ARTIFICIAL - Cons

• looks artificial

• wears down over the years

• fluffing required

• investment required for as real looking as possible

• storage required

• not ideal for the environment

Types of artificial trees:

Flocked

evergreen

all white

Do you have a preference? Either way, we hope your tree is full of beautiful decorations and lasting memories.