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Real vs. Artificial Trees—Really, There is no debate

Each Christmas season, there seems to be a lot of focus on the so-called “debate” over real vs. artificial Christmas trees. From ACTA’s standpoint, there is no debate. Consumers should feel free to choose either type of tree, or better yet, choose one or more of each! Both types of Christmas trees have very distinctive characteristics and a recent Life Cycle Analysis concluded that neither tree has a significant negative impact on the environment. It really comes down which kind of tree, or trees, best fits your lifestyle. The Christmas season should be a time of celebration, not a platform for debate. So if a Christmas tree is part of your holiday celebration, relax and celebrate with the Christmas tree of your choice.

To help clear things up, here are some straightforward answers to the most common tales. Maybe you’ve heard some of these or even had these very same thoughts yourself. Either way, it may be worth your time (and future money savings) to read on:

Myth: Artificial trees aren’t part of Christmas tradition
If your holiday traditions began before the 1960s, there’s a good chance you are right. You won’t find pictures of presents around an artificial Christmas tree. But while you’re looking at those pictures of the past, take a look at the decorations, what was served for dinner or the time of day presents were opened. You’ll likely find that some of the most important traditions have changed over time – as children grow, people move and new family members are added. Traditions aren’t often locked in time.

Myth: Artificial trees don’t look real

Myth: Artificial trees aren’t part of Christmas tradition
It’s ironic. There are also people who say that artificial Christmas trees look “too perfect” to be real. In any case, many testify that their artificial trees appeal to even the most scrutinizing of relatives. Admittedly, artificial trees in the past looked nothing like the real thing, but now they appear like genuine Christmas trees. Advances in artificial-tree design have helped many obtain the “perfect tree” for the holidays – without looking “too perfect.”

Myth: Artificial Christmas trees harm the environment
Unfortunately, this is the myth that does the most harm to the well-meaning, environmentally conscious consumer. They are given incomplete and often wrong information. In an effort to help promote the facts, an environmental study was conducted that found a consumer using an average artificial Christmas tree for more than ten years has a smaller carbon footprint than a consumer using average farm-grown Christmas trees. There are several reasons for this that you can read about here (link to environmental page), but it’s safe to say that this myth has been debunked.

Myth: Artificial Christmas trees don’t smell as nice
On the surface, this is a fair point. But along with that fresh pine smell comes nearly 10 times the amount of mold normally found inside. For those predisposed to allergies, this is no small matter.
A study conducted by a researcher in Connecticut and presented to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in Dallas shows that after two weeks of being indoors, a live Christmas tree emitted significant amounts of mold spores into the air. What was a nice smelling tree is now a source of grief for family members and guests.
The truth is that fresh pine smell can be replaced with a special fresh pine scent that can be easily and safely sprayed throughout the house and not just where the tree is.

Myth: Artificial Christmas trees don’t smell as nice
• Artificial Christmas trees last much longer than live trees.
• Artificial Christmas trees are safer because they are not a fire hazard, nor do they drop needles that cause children to choke.
• Artificial Christmas trees come in all sizes, shapes and colors – and can fit any budget.
• You can be much more creative with your artificial Christmas tree design and how you decorate.
• Artificial Christmas trees don't make the mess and can't rot like live trees.
• There is no ongoing watering and cleaning with artificial Christmas trees.
• Artificial Christmas trees weigh much less and are easy to assemble and store away.