Real vs Fake Christmas Trees

Did you know that there are around 8 million real Christmas trees sold in the UK each year? In fact, it is a successful seasonal industry that caters to those who love the smell of real pine over the plastic texture of a faux tree. Here at The Home and Gardens, we know how important a Christmas tree is to families across the UK which is why we’ve decided to go over some of the differences between real and fake in order to help you make a balanced and educated decision…

Longevity

Since they are alive, a real pine Christmas tree will last for around 5-week so long as it is provided with the maintenance and attention to detail that it requires. As the festive period comes to an end, you may notice that the tree starts to droop and the leaves will slowly turn brown. On the other hand, an artificial Christmas tree is made from plastics that can last for 10-15 years with proper storage and care, making them the number one option when it comes to longevity.

The Environment

Although they stand to provide quite a lot of use over the years, faux Christmas trees are notoriously difficult, if not impossible, to recycle because they are made from so many different materials. As a result, they generally end up in landfill when homeowners decide they want a replacement. This is very different from real Christmas trees which come with an eco-friendly promise because they can be recycled or replanted once the festive season comes to an end.

Cost

Depending on the size of the tree that you select, a real pine Christmas tree can retail between £40 and £100 each year which is an outgoing that some homeowners just cannot afford. After all, there is a lot of maintenance involved in keeping them alive which can also add to the costs too. An artificial Christmas tree tends to sell for £15 to £200, again depending on the size and design you opt for, however they’re longevity guarantee means that this is a one-off payment rather than an annual expense.

From aesthetics to lifespan, it is safe to say that there are a lot of differences between the way that you should approach your Christmas tree purchase this year. After all, it is not uncommon for homeowners to jump in at the deep-end without fully grasping the requirements that come with a real Christmas tree as the big day could be spoiled if you don’t provide adequate maintenance. To find out more information, get in contact with a member of The Home and Gardens team today!