Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees for Outdoor Spaces: Which Is the Better Choice?

Trees are a major component of Christmas decorations. When selecting a tree, the big question is, real vs artificial Christmas tree? Which is the best choice?

A real tree must be chopped down possibly contributing to deforestation. On the other hand, fake trees require manufacturing that produces emissions. They are made from materials that could end up in landfills damaging the environment. 

And sustainability is not the only consideration. You must also think about aesthetics, maintenance, cost, and durability. This article will explore the pros and cons of real Christmas tree vs artificial so you can determine which is best for your decorative needs. 

There are several things to consider when deciding between real vs fake Christmas tree. Here are some things to think about. 

There is no doubt that a real Christmas tree is durable. Their strength ensures they can hold various ornaments. They also won’t become easily damaged by the elements.

However, real trees must be discarded every year. They become brittle and dry over time and could pose a fire hazard. Therefore, they offer less long-term durability.

The durability of artificial trees varies depending on their construction. A well-made tree will hold up well throughout the season and the years. Most artificial trees are made of PVC for the needles and PE for the tips. These materials are high, quality, affordable, and produce a lifelike look. 

Other materials may be used to ensure the tree withstands various weather conditions. 

Real Christmas tree maintenance is considerable. Here are the steps you must take to ensure your tree is well cared for.

1. Trim the trunk at least one inch from the bottom before placing it on the stand. Some farms will trim the trunk for you.
2. Choose a spot away from heat sources to minimize fire risk.
3. Place the tree in a large capacity stand with warm water. Trees need about a gallon of fresh water. Refill the water each day to ensure the tree has an adequate supply. Note, the tree may drink up to 2 gallons of water when it is first installed.
4. The tree will also shed needles that must be cleaned up while the tree is displayed and after the tree is disposed of.

Artificial Christmas tree maintenance is also a consideration. Typically, trees must be assembled at the beginning of the season and disassembled at the end of the season. You must also clean the trees, store them properly, set them up in a cool dry area, and ensure their lights don’t pose a fire hazard.

Aesthetic appeal may be a matter of taste but most agree, you can’t beat the beauty of a natural tree. However, an artificial tree offers out-of-the-box options. Artificial trees can be any color, size, material, or shape.

The choice between an artificial or real Christmas tree often comes down to Christmas tree environmental impact. 

When considering artificial Christmas tree environmental impact, these trees are manufactured, a process that contributes to emissions. They are also made of materials that can leach toxins into the atmosphere. 

Real Christmas tree environmental impact is also a real concern. Trees are chopped down leading to possible deforestation. However, according to the Nature Conservancy, real trees are the more environmental choice. 

Although real trees contribute to deforestation, the impact is not considerable. Only 30 million trees are cut down for Christmas out of the 350-500 million growing each year. Additionally, farmers plant 1-3 seedlings for every tree that’s chopped down.

Real Christmas trees also boost support the agricultural economy and they are 100% recyclable. 

The upfront costs of Christmas trees vary depending on the size, decorative elements, and quality. When all is said and done, the initial cost of real vs artificial Christmas tree is about the same.

According to House Logic, real trees generally range from $20 to $150 depending on the size and species. A fake tree can cost as little as $20 at big box retailers and go up to $450 or more.

However, an artificial tree will last for years while a real tree must be thrown out each year. Therefore, artificial trees are more cost-effective in the long run. 

Real Christmas trees grow outside so they will be durable in outdoor environments. However, you must make sure the decorative elements are rated for outdoor use.

Artificial trees will hold up in outdoor spaces if they are made of recycled plastic, fiberglass, terracotta, wood, concrete, ceramic, or metal. Similarly, you must also ensure the decorative elements will endure outdoors.

Choosing the right Christmas tree goes beyond the real Christmas tree vs artificial debate. Here are some other factors to consider.

Assess your space to determine what tree style is best suited for your design. Think about the size and where the tree will be placed. Consider the best profile (overall shape and width) for your interior.

The placement of your tree is a matter of aesthetics and practicality. Most people want to place their tree in a central location. You may also want your tree to be visible from the outside.

The tree should be placed in an area where it won’t interfere with foot traffic or furniture layout. Trees should also be in a cool, shady space. It should not be too close to heat sources to avoid a fire risk. 

Consider the benefits of real Christmas trees and benefits of artificial Christmas trees to determine which is right for you. Think about factors like cost, environmental concerns, maintenance, and aesthetics to decide which is best for your home.

Once you have determined the best space for your tree, you can calculate the shape and size that will work best with your design. Here’s how to measure your space accurately. 

1. Measure your ceiling height. Allow 6” to 12” between the treetop and ceiling for the decoration. Ensure the tree won’t touch the ceiling with or without a topper.
2. Measure the diameter ensuring there is at least 3” of space between the tree and the walls on all sides.
3. If you have a small space, choose a small tree to avoid overwhelming your interior.

You may choose customization options that help your tree stand out. Artificial trees come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. They can be pre-lit, or you can add your own lights.

If you have something specific in mind, you may work with a designer to purchase a fully customized artificial tree. 

Real Christmas trees can be customized as well. They can be trimmed and shaped to your specifications. Flock a tree branch by branch using glitter or confetti. You can even carve names or images into your tree.

You can customize a real tree yourself, or work with a designer to achieve the ideal aesthetic.

The choice between real and artificial Christmas trees is yours to make, but if you choose an artificial tree, Dekra-Lite is your go-to source. We offer a wide variety of quality artificial trees. Choose from giant trees, pre-lit trees, specialty trees, and pre-decorated trees.

We also offer holiday decoration installations. Our team will provide everything you need to make your commercial space look its best. We specialize in event centers, shopping centers, theme parks, and municipalities. 

Contact us when you’re ready to take your holiday design to the next level.

Real Christmas trees are better for the environment. Although they contribute to deforestation, the impact is minor. They are also recyclable and won’t leach toxins into the environment. 

The lifespan of an artificial tree will vary depending on the material, the construction, and how well it is maintained. However, the estimated longevity is 6-10 years.

Yes, real Christmas trees require a lot of maintenance. You must trim their trunks and water them daily. They shed needles that must be cleaned and they require a tree stand. They must also be stored in a cool, shady spot. 

Artificial Christmas trees can look as realistic Christmas trees. Obviously, some trees feature colors and materials that immediately let you know they are not real. However, other trees, like PE trees, are injection molded with branches from real trees so you can hardly tell the difference. 

Yes, you can reuse artificial Christmas trees each year. You can disassemble trees and store them. Then, take them out of storage and reassemble them for next year’s display.