Christmas trees have come a long way since the first bristle brush designs were introduced in the 1930s. Today, they are more realistic, durable and customisable than ever before, capturing the interest of a growing number of Christmas decorators. With options such as pre-lit branches, lifelike textures and convenient storage, Christmas trees now offer an appealing alternative to real ones.
Here are six reasons to switch from real trees to Christmas ones this year.
1. Convenience
Both types of trees have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to convenience, so we have outlined specific points to help you weigh your options.
- Longer Lifespan - If you purchase a fresh tree a week or two before Christmas, it should still look good on the day itself, but it may be in poor condition by New Year’s Eve. Christmas trees are ideal for those who prefer to set up early and keep their tree on display for longer without worrying about it drying out.
- Easy Assembly - Many people enjoy the tradition of choosing a live Christmas tree, but it requires time and effort to cut, transport, mount, water and clean up at home. Christmas trees come in manageable sections that are simple to assemble. For an even easier setup, consider our Flip Trees®, which only require you to attach the top section after flipping the tree base into position.
- Simple Lighting - Stringing lights on a real tree can be time-consuming, and there is always the risk of dislodging needles or damaging bulbs. We offer pre-lit Christmas trees in a range of light types, all hand-strung for even coverage. With our Easy Plug® System, light connections are built into the trunk so your tree illuminates with a single plug.
- Low Maintenance - Unlike real trees that require ongoing care, Christmas trees can be left as they are once assembled. There is no need to water them or clean up fallen needles and sticky sap, making them a practical choice for busy households.
2. Safety
Setting up a Christmas tree in a busy household with pets, children and guests moving around your décor can raise valid safety concerns. Here are a few important points to consider.
- Flame Retardant - Dried needles can easily catch fire from faulty electrical lights or open flames. Balsam Hill Christmas trees are made from flame-retardant materials and are designed to reduce fire risk when used with proper care and precaution.
- Non-Allergenic - A real Christmas tree may trigger asthma, sneezing or a runny nose, with symptoms often worsening the longer the tree remains indoors. Christmas trees are made from synthetic materials that do not typically cause these reactions. To help keep your tree free from mould and dust, store it in one of our Christmas tree storage bags and place it in a cool, dry area when not in use.
3. Appearance
Real evergreens may offer the look, texture and scent of a classic Christmas tree, but here are several reasons to consider choosing a Christmas tree instead:
- Realism - Many people are drawn to the appearance of real Christmas trees, which is why we take inspiration from nature when designing our most lifelike Christmas trees. Our exclusive True Needle® technology uses high-grade polyethene (PE) to replicate the colour, shape and texture of real tree clippings with impressive accuracy.
- Variety - Tree lots typically carry a limited selection at any given time, and popular species often sell out as Christmas approaches. With Christmas trees, you can choose from a wide range of styles, including varieties that may not grow locally. This gives you more flexibility to find the perfect match for your home.
- Easier to Decorate - We design our premium Christmas trees with sturdy yet flexible needles that are gentle to handle. Unlike real tree needles that can prick your hands or fall off while you decorate, our branches stay intact and are built to support ornaments of various sizes. We also offer sparse styles that provide extra space to showcase meaningful ornaments and create a beautifully styled display.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
Christmas trees may cost more upfront compared to real trees, but they can be reused year after year rather than being discarded after Christmas or New Year’s. With the price of real trees continuing to rise, investing in a Balsam Hill Christmas tree can help you save money over time while enjoying lasting quality and beauty.
5. Environmental Impact
Many households use their Christmas tree for an average of 10 years, which can have a more favourable impact on the environment compared to purchasing and disposing of a real tree each year. Explore our reNEW™ Collection for lifelike Christmas trees crafted from 30% recycled plastic.
6. Extra Benefits
Each Balsam Hill Christmas tree includes a high-quality tree stand, a storage bag, a pair of gloves for shaping the branches, and extra bulbs and fuses for pre-lit models. We also offer a three-year limited warranty on regular and sale-priced Christmas trees, along with a 60-day clearance limited warranty for clearance items. Learn more about our warranty policy here.
Why Choose a Christmas Tree?
Benefits
- Reusable (Cost-effective over time) - Our Christmas trees are expertly crafted for durability and designed to be enjoyed year after year.
- Low Maintenance - No shedding needles or daily upkeep required. Enjoy timeless elegance without the mess of a real tree.
- Customisable - Available in a wide range of lifelike styles, including flocked, pre lit and slim designs, as well as various heights and lighting options to suit every home and aesthetic.
- Gentle on Christmas Sensitivities - Ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities to real pine or tree scents, making it easier to enjoy a beautifully styled home.
- Built-In Safety Features - Crafted from flame-retardant materials to provide added peace of mind throughout Christmas.
- Easy Setup and Storage - Innovative features such as hinged branches and pre lit designs make setup simple and storage just as convenient.
Considerations
- Lacks Natural Fragrance - Christmas trees do not provide the fresh evergreen scent of a real tree. However, scented ornaments or diffusers can help recreate that classic aroma.
- Requires Long-Term Storage Space - Proper storage is important to help maintain your tree’s shape and quality between uses.
- Non-Biodegradable - Unlike natural trees, Christmas trees are not biodegradable and should be disposed of responsibly after many years of use.
- Environmental Impact - Made from metal and PVC, Christmas trees have a higher upfront carbon footprint compared to freshly cut trees.
- Long-term Investment - The initial cost may be higher, but the value becomes clear over many years of continued use and lasting beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we have answered common questions to help you understand the key points when choosing between real and Christmas trees.
Which Type of Tree Is More Environmentally Friendly?
Christmas trees are generally considered more environmentally friendly when used for many years, as this reduces the need to cut down live trees annually. However, overall impact also depends on factors such as manufacturing materials, transport and responsible disposal at the end of the tree’s lifespan.
Are Real Christmas Trees Safe for Pets?
Real Christmas trees are typically safe for pets, but precautions are still important. Some pets may chew on branches, which can cause mild digestive discomfort. Sharp pine needles may also pose a risk if swallowed, so it is wise to supervise pets around a real tree.
Do Christmas Trees Have a Scent?
Christmas trees are usually unscented. However, scented ornaments or sprays are available to help recreate the fragrance of a fresh evergreen if you enjoy that traditional aroma.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Christmas Trees?
Christmas trees are reusable, easy to maintain and available in a wide range of styles. They require minimal upkeep and can be enjoyed year after year in beautifully crafted designs. On the other hand, they involve a higher initial investment, do not offer the natural fragrance of fresh trees and are made from synthetic materials.
Is a Christmas Tree More Environmentally Friendly?
A Christmas tree can be a more sustainable choice when used over many years. When enjoyed for seven or more years, it may offset its carbon footprint compared to purchasing a freshly cut tree each year.
Do Christmas Trees Look Real?
Many premium Christmas trees, such as those featuring Balsam Hill’s True Needle® technology, are designed to closely replicate the realism, texture and dimensional beauty of natural evergreens. Expertly crafted branch tips help capture the authentic look that many people love about real trees.
We hope this article has helped you decide between decorating with a Christmas tree or a real Christmas tree. Click the button below to browse our collection of Christmas trees.