The moment Mariah Carey belts out that glass-shattering “It’s tiiime!”, you know it’s time to deck the halls, and no decoration matters more than the tree. But every year, the same question comes up: real vs fake Christmas tree — which one truly makes the season bright?
Whether you’re a scent-of-pine purist or a convenience-loving decorator, here are four key differences to help you find the perfect fit for your home and holiday style.
1. Fragrance vs. Freedom
A real Christmas tree fills the room with that nostalgic pine aroma, but it also comes with daily watering, sweeping, and the heartbreak of watching it dry out by New Year’s.
Artificial trees are a lot less effort; they stay lush, green, and perfectly symmetrical from the moment you plug in the lights to the day you pack it away.
If you want the best of both worlds, our 7.5-Ft. Foxtail Pine Christmas Tree delivers lifelike branches without the needle mess — ideal for anyone craving that authentic look with zero upkeep.
2. New Friends vs. Family Additions
When it comes to real trees, no two are exactly the same. Even within the same species, there are variations in thickness, density, fragrance, height, etc. That’s why finding the right one is so important; you’re not just picking a tree, you’re inviting a living entity to share in your family’s holiday celebration — and there’s magic in that.
The downside is, real trees wither and end up on the curb after a few weeks. Artificial trees, on the other hand, are built for years of magic. Instead of finding a new friend every year, you’re adopting a new member of the family to share in your Christmas joy for years on end.
If you’re looking to adopt a new artificial trend, our 9-Ft Flocked Mountain Pine Artificial Christmas Tree is a snow-dusted showstopper that brings winter wonderland vibes every season; no cold weather or pine needles required.
But before you make your decision, check out our blog post on the various types of Christmas trees and the differences between them so you can make the best choice for your dream holiday aesthetic.
3. Uniqueness vs. Customizability
Real trees are guaranteed to be one of a kind. Among the millions of trees in homes, stores, and offices across the country, not a single one will be exactly like yours.
Artificial Christmas trees may be mass-produced, but they put control over their design entirely in your hands. Choose your desired height, fullness, lighting, flocking style, ornaments, and other décor to create your dream holiday centerpiece.
Our 7.5-Ft. Buffalo Fir Slim Artificial Christmas Tree is a great choice if you’re looking for a blank canvas to decorate to your specific taste. And if you need a little help finding a theme or style for this year, we put together a few of our favorite Christmas tree ideas for a little inspiration.
4. Sentiment vs. Savings
People with a soft spot for sentiment might prefer real trees for the experience — the picking, trimming, dressing, and watering. But those who prefer pragmatism might lean toward artificial trees for the long-term savings.
A real tree can range anywhere from $50 to $100 depending on your location, and prices rise and fall with inflation and supply levels. Quality, artificial Christmas trees cost a little more initially but ultimately pay themselves off after a couple of seasons.
At Fraser Hill Farm, our artificial trees are designed to last for years, giving you the gift of effortless holiday decorating, year after year.
More Fun & Festive Holiday Tips
Picking the right Christmas tree is just one part of the holiday decorating checklist. If you really want to deck the halls this season, these [Christmas wreath ideas] can help turn your home into a winter wonderland.
And after the holidays, don’t store your tree away just yet. With a little imagination and creativity, you can turn your Christmas tree into a Valentine tree.