Real vs. Fake Christmas Trees: Which is Better? 

We spend a lot of time talking about the importance of reforestation and forest conservation, so you might be surprised by our position on Christmas trees. Are real Christmas trees better for the environment, or is purchasing a fake Christmas tree the environmentally conscious choice?

We’re here to alleviate these concerns for all Christmas-loving environmentalists. And if you want to do more to reduce your environmental impact this holiday season, you can also check out our tips for a sustainable holiday!

Are Fake Christmas Trees Bad For the Environment?

Artificial trees can last many years if well cared for, which seems to make them the obvious sustainable choice, but they do have drawbacks. Because most are made with plastic and metal materials, they take a lot of resources to create — and their plastic components will exist for thousands of years, polluting our oceans and harming wildlife. 

Often shipped long distances, they also have a hefty carbon footprint— to the tune of up to 88 lbs of CO2 per 6.5ft. tall artificial tree. In comparison, a live tree that is recycled—by turning it into woodchips—or kept growing in a pot "can have negligible or even negative emissions," according to Dr John Kazer of the Carbon Trust in an interview with The Guardian. When you consider that Christmas is one of the most highly celebrated holidays in the world, that difference adds up fast.

Are Real Christmas Trees Better For the Environment?

Yes, real Christmas trees are more eco-friendly and a better choice for the environment. It may feel counter-intuitive, but it's much more sustainable to cut down a real tree each year. That’s because most small-scale Christmas tree farms are inherently sustainable, leaving certain sections open for harvesting every year, while closing others to give younger trees a chance to grow. 

It takes around 7 years to grow an average-sized Christmas tree, and as trees grow, they provide many environmental benefits. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, for every tree that is cut down each year, 1 to 3 new seedlings are planted.

This rotating cycle ensures Christmas tree farms will have a steady harvest of salable trees every year, while also providing habitat for wildlife and protecting the land from development. In fact, many Christmas tree growers utilize steep hillsides that would otherwise be unsuitable for agricultural activities. 

In short: sustainable Christmas tree farms are both the ethical and sustainable choice: they can be great for the environment, wildlife, and for the people who work and live on them, for whom jobs and income are generated.

And of course, unlike fake trees, real trees are completely biodegradable and can be used for lumber, turned into mulch, donated to restoration projects, composted and used to fertilize next year’s crop, fed to goats (check with the farmer to ensure no chemicals were used), and more! 

Do All Real Christmas Trees Have the Same Environmental Impact?

Unfortunately, there are bad actors out there that cut trees down from primary forests, which means not all real Christmas trees are equal. But if you’re willing to do a little research, you likely can find a local or regional tree farm that is transparent about their practices.

To sum it up, if you get a real Christmas tree, the important things to remember are: (a) make sure it was responsibly grown and harvested and (b) make sure to properly dispose of your tree (for example, sending a Christmas tree to the landfill will result in significantly higher emissions than having it chipped or donating it to a local conservation organization).

Of course, you could also go full-on hippie and find a sustainable alternative Christmas tree, or get a live tree that can be planted outdoors after the holidays (just make sure it’s a native tree species suited to your climate). You could even bedazzle that massive monstera in your living room. We won't judge!

How to Recycle Your Real Christmas Tree

Once the holiday season is over, there are plenty of options for properly disposing of your Christmas tree:

• Participate in a local tree recycling program if there's one in your area.
• If you have a wood chipper, chip the tree for free mulch.
• Donate it to a local environmental organization, who may repurpose it for restoration projects like reinforcing riparian areas, protecting fragile dunes, sheltering wildlife and more.
• Use the needles for crafts like evergreen potpourri, the trunk for natural coasters and more!
• Strip the tree bare and use it to build a frame for vine-y garden plants like beans, cucumbers and flowers.
• Donate it to a local goat farm (as long as it has not been sprayed with harmful pesticides or other chemicals). Search for "goats eating Christmas trees" videos and you'll see why this is such a fun option.
• Secure the tree outside in a spot that's sheltered from wind to provide a winter shelter for small mammals.

And finally, if you’re still concerned about your holiday impact, consider planting trees with us!