Now that Christmas is over, it’s time to throw out the tree, unless you have an artificial one. One of the pros that comes with a fake tree is that it can stay up all year since they don’t die! While the tradition of cutting down and then eventually throwing out actual pine trees seems harmful, it’s actually less so than keeping artificial trees.
According to the Nature Conservancy, real Christmas trees help fight climate change, and helps support forests even when they are being cut down. Over 10 million artificial trees are produced in the United States annually, contributing to mass carbon emissions while real trees keep farms in business and are even recyclable. So, when considering getting a tree next year, give a real one a try.
In general, it’s uncertain if more people use real or fake trees. If you are thinking about switching it up next year, here are the kinds of trees you can get, real and fake, and how to pick one out.
The first step to choosing a real tree is ensuring it’s moist, so it’ll last multiple weeks. This usually means a dark green color. When you touch the needles they should be firm and not fall off. In fact, a moist Christmas tree can help the climate because it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The best way to pick a fake tree is based on the size that will be easy to store and fit in your house. The tree also needs to have sturdy branches so it can withstand all types of ornaments.
Now that you know how to pick a tree, you should know which kind you like. Whether it’s the look, smell, or the kind you get every year because you’re scared to change it up. Juliette Foutz, a freshman at Huntington Beach High School (HBHS), said, “I use a real tree because the scent of a real tree gives off a more Christmas feeling.”
For the real tree people, there are various options. For people who like fir, there are Douglas, Grand, Fraser, Noble and Nordmann. However, if you feel like sprucing it up, there’s Blue, Norway and White Spruce. The Fir trees have a stronger fragrance while the Spruce have a medium fragrance.
Did you know that Fir and Spruce Christmas trees are best for the environment? Both types of trees are sustainable crops, meaning they support local communities and protect the environment.
Zariah Billinger, a senior at HBHS, said, “It’s easier for my family and I to use a fake tree because we don’t have time to get a real tree. I like fake trees better because it’s easier to deal with and they don’t make a mess.”
The options for both fake and real trees are about the same. You just won’t have the same Christmas tree smell flowing through your house. So it’s up to you whether you want to spread the holiday cheer with the fresh scent of a real tree or have the house smell the same as it did before with a fake tree.
Ruby Fauscette, a freshman at HBHS, said, “I use a fake tree because it’s less of a mess, my dogs make a mess with the trees, and my family doesn’t like buying a new tree every year.”
While purchasing a tree every year has become an expensive endeavor in the past few decades, costing upwards of $100 according to CBS News, all of the other reasons certainly outweigh the cost for those who can afford it.
Now it’s up to you whether you want to be boring or show your Christmas spirit!
