Artificial or Natural Christmas Tree?

Every year, the same dilemma of December arises: to buy an artificial tree or a natural tree? Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is good to inform yourself before making a decision.

Here are the pros and cons of both options!

Advantages and disadvantages of artificial tree

The artificial tree may not fill your house with the smell of needles and resin, but it has several advantages to consider:

1. One of the most convincing arguments in favor of the natural tree is that you save money if you buy one and use it for years.

2. The artificial tree is a good choice for people who do not have time to look for a natural one, to negotiate with the sellers, and to face the agitation around the holidays. It is a convenient and convenient option.

3. Maybe you can't afford to buy a natural tree with a rich look, because it can be costly. This is another argument in favor of artificial fir, which looks very good, just like in magazines.

The disadvantages of the artificial are also to be taken into account:

1. It is made of plastic, which releases substances that are extremely toxic to humans and animals. When they reach the air or water and eventually into our body, they are stored in adipose tissue and can cause cancer, neurological problems, and many other conditions.

2. Although it is said that the impact on the environment is smaller if we do not cut natural trees annually to use them for Christmas, the truth is different. First of all, plastic is not biodegradable and because the plastic fibers are glued to the metal frame, the artificial fir cannot be recycled.

Secondly, given that most artificial trees are produced in China, long-distance transportation, which of course affects the environment, must be considered.

However, this counter-argument can be countered: if every person drives a car every year to buy a natural tree, then the negative effect on the environment could be stronger in this case.

3. The artificial tree can be dangerous in case of a fire, and the use of incandescent Christmas light bulbs is not recommended for this very reason.

Advantages and disadvantages of natural tree

Some people can't even imagine celebrating Christmas without a natural Christmas tree. This variant indeed has its charm, but both the advantages and the disadvantages must be weighed.

Here are the pros of the natural tree:

1. The charm of having a natural Christmas tree, as tradition demands. Nothing compares to the smell of the Christmas tree, which contributes to the specific atmosphere of the holidays.

2. There are, at the moment, enough nurseries that take care of the continuous growth and planting of Christmas trees. When you go to buy a Christmas tree, you have to make sure that it is legally cut.

Usually, there is a label attesting to this fact. When you buy a tree grown in a special nursery, you are doing good for the environment, because as it grows, the trees purify the air, fix the soil, and sustain biodiversity.

3. Natural trees can be bought in pots with roots, and can be replanted after use. This is the most environmentally friendly option.

4. The natural tree can be recycled and then reused in the form of sawdust, a protective layer for other plants, natural fertilizer, and combustible materials.

 The natural tree also has some disadvantages:

1. It is more expensive, because you have to invest in it every year, and if you want a rich one, you have to be ready to take a few hundred lei out of your pocket.

2. If you buy a potted tree, ie the most environmentally friendly option, you will have to take care of it just as you have the other plants in the house.

The Christmas tree must be watered and, because it does not withstand very high temperatures, you must ensure optimal thermal conditions.

3. People with asthma or allergies may have coughs due to mold on branches.

4. When it dries, natural trees make a lot of mess because of the needles.

So, which is the most convenient option when you have to choose between a natural tree and an artificial one? Well, if you allow yourself to buy a natural one, then the potted one is the best option, because it brings you the festive spirit in the house and, at the same time, it does not harm the environment, on the contrary.

But if you have to save money, whether you like it or not, you'll have to go for the artificial tree.