Choosing Your Christmas Tree: Artificial or Natural?
Choosing a Christmas tree is, for many, a real headache. This is because as well as thinking about the style, design, color, shape, and size, we also have to consider whether or not to opt for a natural or artificial one.
Many people prefer to buy a natural Christmas tree that fills every corner of their home with the aroma of the forest. Although, the downside of having a natural tree is that you’ll constantly need to sweep up the fallen needles.
On the other hand, some people see natural trees as an attack on the environment. Therefore, they choose to buy an artificial tree. Far from looking for controversies, below you’ll discover the advantages and disadvantages of each variety so that you can make the decision that best suits your needs and beliefs.
It doesn’t matter if your Christmas tree is a large one or a small one, the important thing is what its beauty symbolizes and the Christmas spirit it brings.
Advantages and disadvantages of a natural Christmas tree
Cleans and purifies the air
Although it’s already well documented, one of its main advantages is for the air and the regenerative character that natural trees have. Connoisseurs and experts keep repeating, year after year, that natural trees are much more sustainable. Not only that but there’s also the beautiful fragrance to consider along with the aesthetic factor.
Choosing your Christmas tree: natural ones are sustainable
When you buy a natural Christmas tree, you’re not contributing to deforestation. The provenance of these trees ensures sustainability–that is, when one tree is removed, another will be planted in its place.
By buying a natural Christmas tree, you’ll collaborate with the regeneration of oxygen and be able to respect the environment.
They can be transplanted
An important advantage of a natural Christmas tree is that because it’s in a pot, it can be replanted in another conditioned space. When Christmas is over, you can plant it in your garden or take it to an urban garden.
By doing this, your Christmas tree won’t be just a temporary decorative element, it’ll be able to have a longer life and grow beyond its pot.
Choosing your Christmas tree: a natural tree needs specific care
Perhaps one of the biggest drawbacks of this type of tree is the care it needs. During the acclimatization process (when you move it inside your home), you’ll have to take great care of it. Homes with a warm temperature provide a damaging atmosphere for natural trees. Although, with regular watering, you can alleviate this situation.
You’ll need to regularly clean around it
Like any other natural plant, this tree will release its leaves or needles, so you’ll need to regularly clean.
Choosing your Christmas tree: replant it
One of the characteristics of a natural Christmas tree is that you’ll have to replant it once the Christmas holidays are over. This means that you need to have adequate outdoor space. Or, you’ll need to have access to a space where you can replant it.
If you don’t have a garden to replant your tree, take it to an official collection point so that it can be replanted in an urban garden.
The natural Christmas tree can wilt
Being natural, these trees tend to be more sensitive especially to atmospheres with very high temperatures. An apartment with a warm climate isn’t the most suitable environment. However, because it’s of organic origin it’s biodegradable, so it can be used, for example, to make natural compost.
Advantages and disadvantages of an artificial Christmas tree
Variety of shades
When you buy a natural Christmas tree the shades will be in a range of green. However, if you decide on an artificial one, you’ll have the possibility to play with different colors, such as white, red, and even blue.
Choosing your Christmas tree: artificial trees are lightweight and easy to assemble
One of the great advantages of artificial Christmas trees is that they’re pre-prepared for easy assembly and ornamental use. In addition, they’re easier to transport which takes on more relevance if you live in an apartment without an elevator.
The artificial Christmas tree doesn’t require much attention
Being artificial, these Christmas trees don’t require watering or sunlight, making their maintenance much easier.
Choosing your Christmas tree: artificial trees are durable
Many artificial trees are quite expensive. However, you must bear in mind that it’s an investment because you can use it year after year.
Artificial Christmas trees are less sustainable
Many people believe that using a plastic Christmas tree is more sustainable. But, in the end, these types of trees are made from petroleum derivatives.
Choosing your Christmas tree: artificial trees aren’t biodegradable
At the end of its useful life, the artificial tree can’t be transformed into anything else. All you can do is recycle it.
Its appearance isn’t so appealing
Artificial trees don’t have a natural appearance. However, artificial Christmas trees can still be used successfully. Moreover, once it’s covered in decorations, it can be difficult to discern whether it’s natural or artificial.
With this review of the advantages and disadvantages of natural and artificial trees, you’re now ready to make a decision. Choose the tree that best suits you.