Garden Advice

Real vs. Fake Christmas Tree: Which is the Better Choice?

Fantastic Team
Published: Oct 21/2019
Last update: Oct 29/2025Array
11min read
Views: 630

Choosing between a real or artificial Christmas tree has become a significant decision for many households. With each option offering unique advantages, from the authentic pine aroma of a real tree to the convenience and reusability of an artificial one, the decision ultimately reflects personal and practical considerations.

Should you opt for a real or fake Christmas tree? While real trees bring the scent and authenticity of a classic Christmas, artificial ones offer convenience and reusability.

Table of Contents:

Real Christmas trees
Artificial Christmas Trees
Choosing a non-toxic fake tree
Are Christmas trees a fire hazard?
The final verdict

If you are:

Thinking of buying a real Christmas tree or artificial Christmas tree that looks real;
Wondering about Christmas tree footprint – real vs. fake Christmas trees and which is better;
Whan to know the benefits of artificial vs real Christmas trees;

Keep reading! This article will answer your questions.

Real Christmas trees

Real Christmas trees are a staple for many households, bringing a touch of nature into the home. Their authentic pine scent and unique textures offer a distinct connection to the outdoors, which artificial options struggle to emulate.

Pros of real Christmas trees

Real trees are typically grown on Christmas tree farms, providing a renewable source that can be replanted each year. For every tree harvested, farmers often plant another to maintain a sustainable cycle. Additionally, real trees are biodegradable and, when disposed of correctly, contribute to the environment by enriching the soil.

Genuine charm: There’s something about a real Christmas tree that just can’t be beaten. Each one has its own little quirks – some are perfectly symmetrical, others a bit wonky – and somehow that makes them feel alive. That piney smell when you bring it into the house? Instant cosy vibes. It’s like the tree itself is giving you a festive hug.
Family tradition: Picking out a real tree isn’t just shopping—it’s an event. Untangling lights, arguing over where the star should go, laughing at that one ornament that always falls… It’s these messy, chaotic little moments that make the holidays feel real. Years later, you’ll look back and remember the fun more than anything else.
Eco-friendly: When Christmas is over, a real tree doesn’t just sit around gathering dust (or worse, plastic in a landfill). You can compost it or chip it for mulch. You can even turn it into a little garden project. It’s a simple way to enjoy the season without leaving a heavy footprint on the planet.
Carbon absorption: Even before you take it home, a Christmas tree is doing its bit for the environment. Trees soak up carbon dioxide, provide shelter for wildlife, and tree farms are often replanted after harvest.

Cons of real Christmas trees

A bit more hands-on: Real Christmas trees aren’t completely fuss-free. They require watering and upkeep to keep those needles from turning into a carpet of pine all over your floor. Even with the best care, some shedding is inevitable, so grab the broom a little more often than you might like. And yes, if they’re not in a cool, airy spot, pests or even a touch of mould can make an appearance – so there’s a bit more responsibility compared to a fake tree that just sits there looking perfect.
Short-lived sparkle: A real tree is beautiful, but it doesn’t hang around forever. Bring it home too early, and by the time Christmas rolls around, some needles might have browned and dropped, especially if the heating is on full blast. Timing is everything if you want your tree to stay looking fresh throughout the festive season.
Transportation and disposal: There’s also the matter of moving it around. Big trees can be awkward, sometimes needing a second trip or a bit of creative manoeuvring. And when the season ends, you’ve got to bid it a proper farewell – compost it, recycle it, or use local collection services. Not handling it properly can be a bit of an environmental headache, which is something artificial tree owners rarely have to worry about – they just tuck it away until next year.

A live tree that ends up in a landfill can emit the equivalent of 16kg of greenhouse gases. It will release methane due to the rotting process. This is not very green, but don’t worry – it’s not the only option!

Real trees are recyclable. They can be mulched and used for landscaping. Potted Christmas trees, on the other hand, can be replanted in your garden and used again next year. If you wish to know more, read the “How to Look After Your Potted Christmas Tree” article we prepared.

If gardening is not your forte, you can rely on Fantastic Services to collect and recycle your Christmas tree.

Artificial Christmas trees

Artificial Christmas trees offer a convenient and mess-free alternative to real trees. Crafted from PVC, these trees come in various shapes and sizes, often pre-lit, eliminating the need for stringing lights.

Pros of artificial Christmas trees

Good for the long haul: One of the nicest things about an artificial tree? You can use it year after year. No need to hunt for a new tree every December or worry about it dropping needles all over the carpet. Just pop it out of storage, fluff the branches a bit, and voilà—instant festive vibes. Over time, that makes it a surprisingly eco-friendly option too.
Low maintenance: Fake trees are basically hassle-free. No watering, no regular needle clean-up, no last-minute panic over a dry, droopy tree. They stay green, full, and perfectly symmetrical all season long, whatever your heating’s doing. For busy households – or anyone who enjoys a fuss-free Christmas – it’s a total lifesaver.
Make it your own: The fun part? You can get them in almost any shape, size, or colour, so your tree can be exactly how you like it. Pre-lit versions make things even easier – you get a gentle glow without fiddling with tangled fairy lights. Classic, quirky, modern, sparkly – whatever your festive mood, it’s yours to create.
Worth every penny: Yes, a good artificial tree can be a bit pricey up front, but it quickly pays for itself. Year after year, you get a beautiful, fuss-free tree without the hassle or cost of buying a new one each Christmas. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, really.

Cons of artificial Christmas trees

Fake Christmas tree footprint: Artificial trees might last for years, but they’re made from plastics like PVC and metals, which aren’t exactly kind to the planet. Producing them takes a lot of resources, and many are made in places where environmental rules aren’t very strict. If your tree doesn’t get recycled at the end of its life, all those materials end up hanging around far longer than any Christmas decoration should. So, while convenient and reusable, fake trees do come with a hidden environmental cost.
Manufacturing impact: Artificial trees aren’t exactly guilt-free. Most of them are made in factories far away, which means they’ve clocked quite a journey before even making it into your living room. And yes, their production does create some emissions and waste. So while you’ll be using the same tree year after year, it’s not entirely “eco-perfect.”
Missing that real-tree magic: No matter how realistic they look, fake trees just can’t capture the personality of a real one. They don’t have those little quirks—a branch that leans a bit, needles that aren’t all perfectly uniform, or the smell that hits you the second you bring it inside. Honestly, that piney scent alone makes decorating feel like an event. I’ve had fake trees at home before, and while they look fine, they’ll never give you that “ah, it’s Christmas!” feeling the way a real tree does.

How to choose a non-toxic artificial tree

Some fake trees are made entirely out of PVC and often contain toxic materials such as lead to stabilise their shape. Prolonged exposure to such materials has been shown to play a major role in stunting early-childhood development as well as nerve damage. Many scientists now believe that there is no safe level of exposure to lead.

Fortunately, many companies have traded in pure PVC for a mix of polyethylene (PE) and PVC. This not only reduces the potential toxicity, but also allows for more realistic fake Christmas trees. Three-dimensional PE needles are placed at the front of the branch, while flat PVC bristles fill in the backs.

If you have chosen to buy an artificial tree this year, here is what to look for in order to choose the safest one:

Look for the phrase ‘molded tips’ on the packaging.
Check the needles at the front of the branches. PE bristles are rounded and life like, whereas PVC bristles are flat.

Are Christmas trees a fire hazard?

There are quite a few myths floating around regarding the fire risks posed by real and artificial Christmas trees. It is commonly believed that real trees are more susceptible to catching fire, due to the fact that artificial trees have a fire-retardant coating.

Can artificial Christmas trees catch fire?

Although real Christmas trees can catch fire faster, flame-retardant fake Christmas trees are a bigger fire hazard. Yes, they do have fire-retardant coating but that will only resist fire to a certain degree. When they do burn, they emit large amounts of highly toxic smoke.

And let’s not forget that a lot of artificial trees come pre-lit and have faulty foot-pedal controllers which overheat. On top of that pre-lit artificial Christmas trees can cause fires and even turn into a shock hazard due to exposed wiring or cords which aren’t plugged in all the way.

To avoid this from happening we advise you to stay away from pre-lit artificial trees and just add the lights yourself to a plain, fake Christmas tree.

Are real Christmas trees susceptible to fire?

As long as you take proper care of your real Christmas tree, it will be much less likely to cause harm due to fire. Here are some tips on how to reduce the risk of your real tree going up in flames.

When buying a tree, choose a fresh one with a deep, bright colour. Avoid dry or browning trees.
If the tree was pre-cut, remove about an inch from the trunk and place the tree in water.
Keep the tree fresh by watering it regularly.
A real tree will always drop some needles, no matter how well you take care of it. Make sure to sweep up any fallen needles.
Avoid overloading electrical sockets and go easy on the Christmas lights.
Switch the tree lights off at night before going to bed.
Do not place the tree near heat sources or open fires.

Real vs. fake Christmas tree final thoughts

Artificial trees may be more convenient, but they are less eco-friendly due to plastic materials and production emissions. Real trees, especially when recycled, can be a greener option.

Both real and artificial trees have environmental implications. Real trees, when sourced sustainably, can have a lower impact and are compostable. Artificial trees, while reusable, contribute to plastic waste and emissions. A real tree, grown locally, might have a smaller carbon footprint than an artificial one, especially if the latter is discarded after only a few years.

After taking everything into consideration, we support and recommend the use of real Christmas trees. Not only are they better for the environment, but they also carry a sense of nostalgia and perfectly embody the Christmas spirit.

Wonder what’s the price of a real tree? Read our post on how much does a real Christmas tree cost.

In need of a Christmas tree?

To make this holiday season less stressful, Fantastic Services offers a Christmas tree delivery and installation service. You can book a full service, including installation and even disposal after the holidays, or just have the tree delivered. A team of professionals will carry out the delivery and tree setup.

Once the holidays have passed, you need not worry about what to do with your evergreen. The team can collect the tree for you and recycle it.

Bring the holiday joy to your household with a real Christmas tree

Order your cut or pot-grown tree today!

Takeaways

You need to use an artificial Christmas tree for at least 10 years for it to become more environmentally friendly.
Real Christmas trees are grown in tree farms specifically to be cut down for the holidays.
Fake trees can be toxic if they catch fire.
Real trees are the traditional Christmas choice.
Artificial trees that are made out of PE and PVC are safer and more realistic than 100% PVC trees.
Overall, live Christmas trees are the more environmentally friendly option.

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Did we miss anything? Do you have any tips for choosing a Christmas tree? Let us know in the comments below or give us a shout on social media!

Image source: shutterstock / kryzhov