Christmas time is such a magical time of year. Putting up the Christmas tree kicks off the season and gets the holiday spirit going. There’s been some debate on whether it’s better to use a live or artificial tree in your home. There are pros and cons to both, and here we will give you all the info you need to decide if a live tree is right for you and your family this year.
Pros
The holiday season has a lot of great smells and fragrances that come with it, but nothing comes close to the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree. Holiday candles try to mimic the euphoric aroma every year but nothing compares to the real deal. This is just one of the pros to having a live tree in your home for the Christmas season.
Another great benefit is the ability to choose the perfect size and shape of the tree. Artificial trees are a one size fits all. They can come in different heights but aside from that, they all look identical. Live trees have all different sizes and shapes so if you prefer a tall, slender tree or a short and stout one, you have the ability to choose. And going down to pick it out is only half the fun! Some of the best family memories are made Christmas tree shopping. The whole family getting together to choose then decorate the tree is such a special tradition that the kids won’t grow out of.
Contrary to popular belief, having a live tree is actually good for the environment and economy. You are supporting small business’ buy shopping from a tree farm instead of buying an artificial tree one time. Christmas tree farms actually help the environment more than you think too; Christmas trees can grow in soil that other crops can’t survive in. And when you recycle your tree after the season is over, they are put to good use as fertilizer to help other plants flourish.
Cons
One of the downsides to a live tree is that you have to wait until they become available in your area. This may not be an issue if you live where there are a lot of tree farms, but if you are in the city, it may take a bit longer to get your tree up.
Having a live Christmas tree in your home is a big houseplant. You have to water it and clean up the needles as they inevitably shed. While you are decorating, you may get a little sap on you, but the sap shouldn’t stray far from the tree so you don’t have to worry about it getting everywhere. If you have animals that like to climb or play with the ornaments you might want to watch out!
If you are victim to seasonal allergies, a live tree may not suit you best. Be sure that no one in your household is allergic to the tree before you purchase it and set it up in your home. Another thing to take note of is the increased fire risk a live tree comes with. Since you have to string your own lights, be careful to do so safely so your house won’t get too cozy.