Pros and Cons of Natural Versus Artificial Christmas Trees
What are the pros and cons of natural versus artificial Christmas trees? You might be surprised as artificial trees have changed a lot in recent years and the costs of natural ones is seeming to skyrocket, increasing nearly every year.
For example my cost in rural New Hampshire went up 10% from $50 to $55 dollars this year.
I'm sure they cost much more in big cities as well as further south as well.
A well made artificial one on the other hand is going to last for decades if cared for reasonably well.
Then there is the issue of getting and getting rid of natural trees as well.
Even ignoring the carbon costs of cutting and transporting them to the point of purchase, you need to buy and somehow transport one home.
For children this can be exciting but for many adults it's as much of a chore as anything.
You need to somehow tie the tree to your vehicle or fit it inside, or arrange transport if you have no vehicle.
And shortly after Christmas you need to dispose of the tree as well.
You probably cannot just toss it in your garbage, although some communities will have a day when they will pick them up for you.
A natural tree also needs some care.
Just setting it up in its stand can be a lot of work, with multiple people comment on whether it's straight and playing with the stand.
On the other hand, with an artificial tree this usually trivial, and most come with a "no adjustment needed" stand.
And natural trees of course need nearly daily watering so they do not dry out too quickly and turn brown, and they will also shed needles that need to be cleaned up regularly.
Remember a dry tree is absolutely a fire hazard so be careful! An artificial tree can look every bit as real as a natural tree.
They are nearly perfect replicas and come in all your favorite tree varieties as well.
Modern fake trees are impressive indeed! They often look better than a real tree.
Unfortunately an artificial tree can never have the beautiful aroma of a natural one, although adding a natural wreath can certainly do the trick! And a natural tree will never be available in all the colors of the rainbow should you want a funky tree, say a purple, pink, or even a black one! There are pros and cons to each, which is why we have both types every year!
For example my cost in rural New Hampshire went up 10% from $50 to $55 dollars this year.
I'm sure they cost much more in big cities as well as further south as well.
A well made artificial one on the other hand is going to last for decades if cared for reasonably well.
Then there is the issue of getting and getting rid of natural trees as well.
Even ignoring the carbon costs of cutting and transporting them to the point of purchase, you need to buy and somehow transport one home.
For children this can be exciting but for many adults it's as much of a chore as anything.
You need to somehow tie the tree to your vehicle or fit it inside, or arrange transport if you have no vehicle.
And shortly after Christmas you need to dispose of the tree as well.
You probably cannot just toss it in your garbage, although some communities will have a day when they will pick them up for you.
A natural tree also needs some care.
Just setting it up in its stand can be a lot of work, with multiple people comment on whether it's straight and playing with the stand.
On the other hand, with an artificial tree this usually trivial, and most come with a "no adjustment needed" stand.
And natural trees of course need nearly daily watering so they do not dry out too quickly and turn brown, and they will also shed needles that need to be cleaned up regularly.
Remember a dry tree is absolutely a fire hazard so be careful! An artificial tree can look every bit as real as a natural tree.
They are nearly perfect replicas and come in all your favorite tree varieties as well.
Modern fake trees are impressive indeed! They often look better than a real tree.
Unfortunately an artificial tree can never have the beautiful aroma of a natural one, although adding a natural wreath can certainly do the trick! And a natural tree will never be available in all the colors of the rainbow should you want a funky tree, say a purple, pink, or even a black one! There are pros and cons to each, which is why we have both types every year!
Source...