Artificial Christmas trees have come a long way since the first bristle brush trees were introduced in the 1930s. Today, they’re more realistic, durable, and customizable than ever before—capturing the interest of a growing number of holiday decorators. With options like pre-lit branches, realistic textures, and convenient storage, artificial trees now offer an appealing alternative to real ones.
Here are 6 reasons to switch from real trees to artificial ones this year.
1. Convenience
Both types of trees have advantages and disadvantages in terms of convenience, so we broke down specific points to help weigh your options:
- Longer Lifespan – If you buy a fresh tree a week or two before Christmas, it’ll still look good on the day itself, but it may be in poor shape come New Year’s Eve. Artificial Christmas trees are perfect for those who want to put up their tree early and keep it on display longer.
- Easy Assembly – Some people enjoy the tradition of buying a live Christmas tree, but it takes time and effort to cut, mount, water, and clean up at home. Artificial trees come in sections that are more manageable to set up. For easier assembly, try our Flip Trees®, which require only adding the top section after flipping the tree base.
- Simple Lighting – Stringing lights on a real tree may be time-consuming, and you risk dislodging needles or damaging the bulbs themselves. We offer pre-lit Christmas trees with various light types that are hand-strung for optimal coverage. With our Easy Plug® System, light connections are built into the trunk, so your tree lights up with a single plug.
- Low Maintenance – Unlike real trees that require constant care, artificial Christmas trees can be left alone after assembly. You won’t need to think about watering or cleaning up fallen needles and sticky sap.
2. Safety
Setting up a Christmas tree in a busy household with pets, children, and guests moving about your décor can raise some safety concerns. Below are some points you should consider:
- Flame-Retardant – Dried needles are prone to catch fire from the sparks of shorted electrical lights or open flames. Balsam Hill Christmas trees are made from fire-retardant materials and are less likely to be a fire risk with proper diligence and precaution.
- Non-Allergenic – A real Christmas tree can cause asthma attacks, sneezing, and a runny nose, and these symptoms only worsen the longer the tree remains indoors. Artificial Christmas trees use synthetic materials that don’t trigger this allergy. To keep your tree free of mold and dust, place them in our Christmas tree storage bags and store in a cool, dry area.
3. Appearance
Real evergreens may have the look, texture, and smell of the classic Christmas tree, but here are some reasons you should consider going for an artificial one this season:
- Realism—Most people prefer the look of real Christmas trees, so we took inspiration from nature in designing our most realistic artificial Christmas trees. Our exclusive True Needle® technology uses high-grade polyethylene (PE) to help replicate the color, shape, and texture of actual tree cuttings.
- Variety – Tree lots carry limited trees at a given time, and the most popular species run out as Christmas draws near. With artificial trees, you’ll find many types to choose from, including some that aren’t native.
- Easier to Decorate – We create our premium artificial Christmas trees with sturdy yet flexible needles. These won’t irritate your skin, unlike real tree needles that might prick your hands or get dislodged while you’re decorating. Our tree branches can support ornaments of different sizes, and we also offer sparse trees that give you more room to showcase special ornaments.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
Artificial trees often cost more upfront compared to real trees, but they can be reused for multiple years instead of being discarded after Christmas or New Year’s. With the price of real trees rising every year, you’ll end up saving money in the long run when you invest in a Balsam Hill artificial Christmas tree.
5. Environmental Impact
6. Extra Benefits
Each Balsam Hill Christmas tree comes complete with a high-quality tree stand, a storage bag, a pair of gloves for fluffing, and extra bulbs and fuses for pre-lit models. We also offer a 3-year limited warranty on regular and sale-priced artificial Christmas trees, and a 60-day clearance limited warranty for clearance items. Learn more about our warranty policy here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we’ve answered some questions that can help you understand the key points of choosing between real and artificial Christmas trees.
Which Type of Tree Is More Eco-Friendly?
Artificial Christmas trees are generally considered more eco-friendly if used for multiple years, reducing the need for chopping down live trees annually. However, the environmental impact also depends on factors like production materials and disposal methods.
Are Real Christmas Trees Safe for Pets?
Real Christmas trees are generally safe for pets, but precautions are still needed. Some pets might chew on branches, which could cause mild digestive issues. Also, they might swallow sharp pine needles, so it’s important to monitor pets around a real tree.
Do Artificial Christmas Trees Have a Scent?
Artificial Christmas trees are usually unscented, but there are products like scented ornaments or sprays designed to replicate the fragrance of a real tree.
We hope this article helped you decide between decorating with an artificial or real Christmas tree this holiday season. Click the button below to browse our artificial trees.
Learn More About Artificial Christmas Trees
For tips on how to choose your artificial Christmas tree, visit the pages below.
