Real vs. Artificial Trees: Which Are Better for the Planet?

The holiday season is upon us, and so is the age-old debate of which is the superior Christmas tree option: real trees or fake trees. 

While there are clear pros and cons to both, it can be unclear as to which is the better choice from an environmental standpoint. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the most environmentally friendly tree option.

What Is the Environmental Impact of Real Christmas Trees?

Aside from the fresh pine scent, real trees offer many benefits—especially environmental ones. While some people perceive cutting down live trees as a form of deforestation and thus deem it bad for the environment, the opposite is actually true. 

The majority of real Christmas trees are grown on tree farms for the sole purpose of being cut down, similar to any other crop. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, farmers typically plant one to three new trees for every tree cut down each year. These trees absorb harmful CO2 and in turn release oxygen into the air, while also providing habitats for wildlife. 

Purchasing live trees supports tree farms and allows them to plant new trees each year, which ultimately benefits the environment. In the U.S. alone, there are nearly 350 million trees currently growing on Christmas tree farms. That’s 350 million trees that exist because of the demand for real trees!

If you choose to purchase a real Christmas tree, here are some tips to ensure your purchase is as environmentally friendly as possible:

• Buy from a local tree farm to reduce transportation emissions. 

• Recycle or compost your tree. Live trees can be chopped up and turned into mulch, wood chips, or firewood. Many municipalities offer curbside pickup options or free drop-off locations to recycle your tree and have it turned into mulch. Since real trees are 100% biodegradable, there are plenty of ways to ensure your tree continues to help the planet after the holiday season. 

• Try purchasing a living Christmas tree in a pot, instead of a cut tree. After the holidays, you can plant it in your yard, or keep it in your garden until next year.

• Rent a living Christmas tree. Some companies now offer the option to rent a live Christmas tree, and some even offer delivery! Check to see what’s available in your area before planning your purchase of this year’s real tree.

• Look for trees that are “FSC certified.” This means that they are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and are grown with strict environmental, social, and economic standards.

• Reuse your tree stand or pot for as many years as you can. There’s no need to buy a new one every single year! The longer you use it, the smaller its impact will be.

What Is the Environmental Impact of Artificial Christmas Trees?

Artificial trees can be much more convenient than live trees—but they often come with more harmful effects. 

Around 85% of fake trees in the U.S. are made overseas—resulting in high transportation emissions. 

Additionally, the manufacturing of fake trees requires a lot of energy, which produces greenhouse gas emissions. 

One of the worst aspects of fake trees is their eventual home in landfills. Many fake trees are made from PVC, a non-recyclable and environmentally harmful plastic. While a live tree is biodegradable and can be recycled or composted, a fake tree could live in a landfill for hundreds or even thousands of years. 

The biggest factor when it comes to the environmental impact of a fake tree is how long you use it for. Studies show that reusing the same artificial tree for five to 20 years (estimates vary) would bring its carbon footprint to the same as a real, cut tree. Most Americans only keep the same artificial tree for six to nine years, but keeping it for closer to 20 years can significantly reduce its environmental impact. 

If you decide to invest in a fake Christmas tree, take these steps to minimize the environmental impact of your purchase as much as you can:

• Reuse the tree for as many years as you possibly can—ideally up to 20 years or longer!

• Buy a tree that was made in the U.S. to reduce the transportation emissions caused by overseas shipping.

• Purchase a used tree. Before shopping for a brand-new tree, see if you can find one at a thrift store, on Facebook marketplace, on eBay, or in a Buy Nothing group.

• When you’re ready to move on from your artificial tree (hopefully 20 years from now!), give your tree a new home in one of the places listed above, instead of throwing it away and destining it to a lifetime in a landfill.

Real vs. Fake Christmas Trees: Which Are Better for the Environment?

Overall, real trees tend to be less harmful to the environment. Buying local trees and recycling them when finished is key to minimizing their impact. But artificial trees can have a reduced impact if they are made in the U.S. and used for upwards of 20 years. 

Whether you choose a real tree or an artificial tree, there’s one step you can take this year to make a huge positive impact on our planet: choosing 100% clean, renewable energy for your home. 

Signing up takes just two minutes, but you’ll create a lasting impact on our environment. This holiday season, give yourself and your loved ones the gift of a cleaner planet!