The holiday season is upon us and that means lots of food, time with friends and family, and the ultimate debate; real versus artificial holiday trees. It seems like people either really love their fresh trees or are totally partial to artificial trees. Either way, it is likely you know someone with a different type of tree than you or maybe you are on the fence yourself. We are going to review some of the reasons why people select each of these types of trees, so you can find the right tree for your home this holiday season.
Artificial Holiday Trees
Between 75% and 80% of Americans who have a holiday tree, have an artificial one. The $1 billion market for fake trees has been growing by about 4% a year, despite them being reusable. Let’s dive into what all the hype is about.
- Reusable: Artificial trees are reusable and a good one should last you year after year. This takes away the worry of having to purchase yet another item over the holiday season and can save you money over time. The American Christmas Tree Association reports buyers spend anywhere from $65 to $176 on an artificial tree.
- Convenience: Artificial trees are convenient. Just set them up and they look just right, every year. When the holidays are over, simply pack them back up and store them for the next year.
- No Mess or Maintenance: With artificial trees there are no dropping needles, no need to water, and you are not at risk of bringing critters in to join you for your holiday festivities. One of the obvious reasons to get an artificial tree is to eliminate the hassle of watering, sweeping, trimming, and worrying about the right placement for ideal freshness. You also don’t need to lug it to the end of the driveway or a nearby recycling center after the holiday season.
- Fire-Resistant: Most artificial trees are made to be fire-resistant. This makes them safer, than their real counterparts, to string lights on.
- Customizable and Large Selection: When it comes to selecting an artificial holiday tree, the possibilities are endless. You are not limited to the trees that grow in Northeast Ohio and Erie, PA, you can find different types of trees to fit your desires. You can even select a pre-lit tree to save you the hassle, purchase one with pine cones, or set the mood with the look of frosted snow on the tips.
Real Holiday Trees
No one tracks annual sales of real trees because independent tree lots are so scattered, so the number of homes with these types of trees is hard to determine. Regardless of how many people select a real holiday tree, we are going to review some reasons why people do, so you can decide if one is right for your home.
- Tradition: Taking a tree out a box isn’t quite the same as going to the tree lot with the entire family to select the tree for the season. A 2019 survey for the Christmas Tree Promotion Board polled 2,000 American parents with children ages 17 and younger who celebrate Christmas. The survey revealed that people who purchase real trees are more likely to highly value creating new holiday traditions with family than those who prefer artificial trees. In the same survey, participants said getting a real holiday tree was their number-one favorite holiday tradition growing up, and continues to be one of their favorites to experience with their own children (just behind buying presents).
- Smell and Ambiance: Real trees fill your home with that fresh fragrance of evergreen. While artificial pine smells can come in many forms (candles, diffusers, etc.) there is nothing that can truly compare to the smell of a real tree. This smell can be nostalgic for many, making having a real holiday tree a must have.
- Support Local: Nearly all real holiday trees sold in the United States are grown by local American farmers, according to the USDA. When you purchase a real tree, you are likely buying from someone local to the area who will greatly benefit from your business and appreciate the support.
- Recyclable: Once the holiday season is over, a real tree can be repurposed and reused. Often these trees are turned into mulch or other wood products once they are discarded for the season.
- Price: A real holiday tree usually costs less than an artificial tree. If you are looking to display a tree only for one year, a real tree could save you money. If you plan on using a tree year after year, an artificial tree will likely be less expensive, over time, than purchasing a new real tree every year.
The ultimate debate of real versus artificial trees happens every year, much like the snow that falls in Northeast Ohio and Erie, PA. You likely already have your mind made up as to what is the right option for your home and will not be swayed.
If you are on the market for a holiday tree this season, Litehouse Pools & Spas has tons of options. Check out our holiday tree selection online or in one of our stores today.