For many people, Christmas trees are a big part of celebrating the Christmas holiday. And the question of whether to opt for a live or artificial Christmas tree for your holiday decor is a debate that spans generations. While artificial trees come with their own set of benefits, many arguments can be made for live Christmas trees, too. Take a look.

Tradition

For a lot of families, shopping for a live Christmas tree isn’t just a fun activity, it’s a holiday tradition that’s been passed down from generation to generation. Parents and children alike enjoy wandering the aisles of a local tree farm to find the perfect tree, making it an anticipated yearly activity to enjoy with loved ones.

Fresh Pine Scent

While artificial trees can sometimes smell like plastic, live Christmas trees give off a crisp, herbal aroma that’s perfect for kickstarting your holiday spirit.

Eco-friendly Option

For the environmentally-conscious shopper, live trees are an ideal eco-friendly solution. Not only are they easily replenished, but they can also grow brand-new carbon-reducing foliage every year. Plus, most municipalities convert them into healthy compost to be used for public parks and gardens.

Supporting Local Farms

By buying a live tree, you support the livelihoods of many people who depend on the local tree farms for their income. Many local tree farms work hard to provide sustainable, pesticide-free trees, so why not support them and their efforts while sprucing up your home for the holidays?

6 Tips for Picking the Perfect Live Christmas Tree

If you’re decorating with a live Christmas tree this year, you’ll need to pick the perfect one for your space. Live trees can add natural beauty to any room, but if you’re not careful, you could end up with a tree that takes away from your decor instead. To learn how to pick a proper Christmas tree, here are six things to look out for as you shop.

Measure your space.

Before you start shopping, take a measurement of your space (including the height of the ceiling) to ensure your tree can actually fit inside the room. Without knowing how much space you have, you could end up with a tree too large or small for the area.

Check for freshness.

A good way to know whether your tree is past its prime is by looking at its needles. A healthy Christmas tree should have rich green needles that are flexible when you try to bend them. On the other hand, if you notice dull, brittle needles that easily break or fall off, consider another option.

Pick a tapered shape.

If you plan to decorate your tree using ornaments, be sure to shop for trees with tapered shapes. Tapered shapes tend to make your ornaments stand out better than wide or bushy shapes that block ornaments in the interior.

Check that the trunk is straight.

To avoid having your Christmas tree tip over, always pick a tree with a straight trunk. This way, the tree can fit securely inside its stand, greatly decreasing the risk of it tipping and falling over.

Consider any allergies.

If you suffer from allergies, consider picking out a hypoallergenic tree that won’t exacerbate your symptoms. For example, certain species of Fir or Cypress trees are better suited for people with allergies. On the other hand, traditional pine trees release pollen that can set off allergy symptoms.

Find a uniform shape.

In addition to finding a tree with a tapered shape, you should also ensure its shape is uniform as well. This means checking that your tree is consistently full throughout its entirety, without any noticeable gaps or missing branches.