Real vs. Fake Christmas Trees: Which is Better For the Environment?

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!

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: an average 6.5ft. tall artificial tree could have up to 40 kilos (approx. 88 lbs.) of greenhouse gas emissions. 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.

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. 

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! 

How do Christmas Tree Farms Work?

It takes an average of 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.

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.

How Can I Reduce the Environmental Footprint of my Real Christmas Tree?

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).

What Are Sustainable Alternatives to Christmas Trees?

There are many reasons you may opt to have a non-traditional Christmas tree this year. Whether your decision is based on cost, space, time, or a desire to be more eco-friendly, there are plenty of ways to get festive without a traditional Christmas tree. Here are a few ideas:

• Get a live tree: Purchasing (or renting if you live near an organization that offers this) a live Christmas tree that can be planted in the ground later is a great option! When selecting a live Christmas tree, make sure that the tree species you choose is native to your area, and that you can keep it alive until the conditions outdoors are optimal for planting. 
• Spruce up your favorite house plant: Spruce up one of your house plants with a few lightweight ornaments or festive lights to create a unique Christmas "tree" that will get you in the holiday spirit in no time!
• Create a DIY Tree: Take a look around you with an eye for items that can be used to build a DIY tree. If you need inspiration, head to Pinterest for inspiration. A few of our favorite handmade Christmas tree ideas include: a wine cork Christmas tree, a drift wood Christmas tree, a scrap lumber Christmas tree, a fallen branches Christmas tree, a ladder Christmas tree, and more! The possibilities are limited only by your creativity and imagination!
• Create an Evergreen Arrangement: If it doesn’t feel like the holidays without the fresh smell of evergreen in your home, you can always gather freshly fallen evergreen boughs and arrange them into a vase, a wreath, a wall tree, or a centerpiece. This is a great option if you have a small space but don’t want to miss out on the experience of bringing traditional greenery into your home.

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 supporting reforestation!