It’s that time of year already—time to start thinking about your Christmas tree plans. Will your family choose a live tree or an artificial one this year? It can feel impossible to decide some years. If you’re having trouble deciding, consider these factors for how to choose a real or artificial Christmas tree this year.
Convenience & Cleanliness
When choosing between a real and artificial Christmas tree, one factor to consider is how it will fit with your room. Size is important for picking out a tree; in fact, you should know what size tree you’re looking for before you order online or visit a tree farm for a live one. Keep in mind that you can find both live and artificial trees in a variety of sizes and heights. Though, the convenience of artificial trees may win for some, as they don’t drop pine needles no matter what size and how much space they take up.
Any Seasonal Allergies at Home
If you or anyone in your family suffers from seasonal allergies, you may want to rethink getting a live Christmas tree. Fresh-cut trees can still carry pollen or even mold on their branches. This could lead to symptoms of seasonal allergies due to Christmas tree syndrome, even indoors. You can minimize these symptoms by cleaning off your tree before you bring it indoors and placing it in a low-traffic area of the home. Make sure you watch for mold growth on artificial trees, too, especially ones that are boxed up in the attic or other areas subject to moisture buildup.
Cost
Finally, there’s the cost of each to consider. Artificial trees are typically more expensive when you buy them the first time. However, an artificial tree has the potential to last decades. Fresh cut Christmas trees, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from 50-100+ dollars per tree, which you would need to pay each year.
If your family loves the tradition and the fresh evergreen scent of a live tree, then a live tree is for you. However, if you can’t stand the constant dropping of pine needles or the possible allergies, it might be best to choose an artificial tree this year. Consider these factors when it comes to how to choose a real or artificial Christmas tree for your home.
