Real Christmas trees are probably better in every way except cleanup.LOL I have used an artificial tree for years and would never go back to using the real thing. I may come back to read others views but I'd rather save the trees for other uses. Punk

Wasn't sure if this post was Spam or just someone trying to get lots of comments on their blog! Maybe some of both. Please don't make the real versus faux trees a "political" or "green" issue. I think each individual has to do what works best for their circumstances.

I've always enjoyed the smell of a real tree, but they do dry out quickly and can be a fire hazard--and they are messy when you are trying to take them out afterwards.

I gave up and bought a faux tree a couple of years ago, and it is so nice to be able to just pull it out of the garage when I'm ready to put it up. It's nice and full and looks great when it all decorated. And I don't feel guilty about a living tree that cleans the air being cut down for my short term pleasure anymore!

I can use this faux tree for years and years and then donate it for someone else to use so I don't feel I'm abusing the planet either.

Just my two cents. ;o)

Luvs

We only had real trees for many years. We drove a long distance to get the freshest one I could. We searched for the one that had the perfect shape. I always struggled to get it & out of the car, then into stand & hope it was straight and then get it into the house by myself. But at last, the branches would dry out and my ornaments became in danger of dropping off and breaking. We recycled it to one of the county parks, a 30 minute drive away. We got the first fake 17 years ago. Since then, I have added to my fake pine forest. Fake is the only way to go for me. I too miss that wonderful pine smell.

I agree with Luvs, let's NOT make this a issue for a heated debate.

For those of us who are allergic to real trees, a good artificial tree is a godsend. I can and do use a real wreath, which DH handles. This adds the wonderful smell of real evergreens in the house . . . but the reality of the that is, we ~ sadly~ quickly get used to the smell and don't notice it often enough. But, that said, I'd use my many artificial trees even if I wasn't allergic. I like
putting my trees up right after Thanksgiving and keeping them up until Twelfth Night (January 6th). This wouldn't be possible with real trees. I also like that my artificial trees are less of a fire hazard. That's huge for me, as I tend to be a worrier about those kind of things! And, after working in ER for many years, I've seen a lot of dropped needles lodged in people's feet. They can be tough to find, sometimes, and hurt like heck. Having artificial trees eliminates that concern. They're also safer for my pets, for that same reason.
This is JMHO.
Lynn

BTW, who are you and why are you posting here? Are you here to join into our discussions . . . or just to sell us something or promote your blog????????

It s not my goal to create a feud. I want to get opinions from people other people -- especially those who know something (or a lot) about gardening. There has already been some useful information. For instance, one comment brought up a great point I never considered: Artificial trees can be used for years and years and even then, passed along to someone else.

But is raising Christmas trees in any way environmentally negative? I think the allergy issue is a real good point as well. I just was looking for other perspectives.

Lynn asled who I am. Well, probably if there were a green thumb award given out here, I would be the least likely one to win it. But I love planting: Landscaping around my house -- I use a transitional approach from using indigenous where it works and other species. I make a lot of mistakes and I am still learning. I love the way home-grown vegetables taste. When I lived in San Diego I grew the tastiest figs I ever ate in my life, and the hottest habanero peppers one ever needs to experience. I also would like the world to change a little so when we go to the store, we'd have to ask if they carry any fruits or vegetables that are NOT organic:)But I'll save that for another topic...

Thank you for the replies.

We have used artificial trees for years. We get years of use out of them, and I've used some of the branches for decorating when they're no longer good as trees.

If I used a real tree, I wouldn't feel guilty about that either, since they are a crop, and someone makes a living by growing and selling them.

I am kind of allergic though, and get nasty red bumps on my arms from handling them. I also worry about the fire danger. When I was a kid the tree was up for only a week or so, I now keep my up for maybe a month.

Like all of you I do miss the smell. Nothing that comes out of a can, or a candle, smells that good, or says Christmas and takes you back to your childhood, like the smell of a real tree.

Then there's that thing about bringing live things into the house. I never used to worry about it, but I think now days I'd be checking it for bugs all the time.

When I was a kid, we would buy our tree, and there was always a bad side and you had to turn the tree and try to figure out which side was best. Today when I see the green trees, they really are nearly as perfect as artificial ones.

Truthfully, I say to each his own. I know artificial works best for us, but I don't have any problems with anyone who prefers real, or better yet live trees.