As the battle rages on whether to purchase a “Real” tree every year or an Artificial tree that can be stored and put up every year, what’s the ‘Right’ choice. For some, this can be very personal causing stress even among family members. One possible solution, “Why not just do both!”
The discussion as to ‘Real’ or ‘Artificial’ trees has been raging since the introduction of the first artificial tree in 1747 by German immigrants in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania which were made of wood and lit by candles. The first one that resembled a real tree were made in Germany in the 1880’s as a response to deforestation. In the 1930’s, the Addis Brush Company made a tree from brush bristles. They used the same machinery used to make toilet bowl brushes but dyed them green.
Fast forward to the 1950’s and 1960’s where plastic and aluminum trees were mass produced and sold.
Today, artificial trees are a big business. Balsam Hill, sponsor of the Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas, has trees ranging from $50 to over $500.
I don't want to give artificial trees a bad rap! In a commercial, hotel, or church setting, it may be against local fire codes or ordinances to have a live tree indoors. And lets face it, they can look really 'real' from a distance.
or up close!
These artificial trees can fit almost anywhere.
Or in any space.
And for the most part, these trees are made from a fire-resistant material.
In fact, 2 competing outlets of information try to get ’their’ message out.
The Real Christmas Tree Board boasts the advantages of purchasing a ‘Real’ Tree.
https://realchristmastreeboard.com/
The American Christmas Tree Association promotes the notion that an artificial tree is a good investment that can last 10-20 years.
https://www.christmastreeassociation.org/
The dilemma is so emotionally charged, it became on of the story lines in the Apple TV Original film starring Will Farrell and Ryan Reynolds titled “SPIRITED”. Ryan Reynolds addresses Real Christmas Tree growers in the scene “We’re Bringing Back Christmas.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lOU_HN5bY4
So, what’s a consumer to do???
Who am I to tell you what to do! So, I just do BOTH!
The key to keeping a live tree fresh comes down to a couple of simple things; a fresh cut, watering, and keeping the tree cool away from heat.
Yes, we have a ‘Real’ Tree. It is a Concolor Fir.
We put a fresh cut on the tree less than 5 minutes before placing it in the stand and filling it with water.
In addition, the tree is in the corner of a 3-season room with supplemental heat and can be enjoyed when we spend time in the room, with the heat on,
or from our sliding glass door, which looks out from the kitchen table, with the room outside unheated.
But we check/top off the water daily. The tree typically will take between a gallon to a gallon and a half of water each day.
More information on keeping a ‘Live’ tree fresh can be found here:
https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/2080
If you prefer, watch this short 4-minute video on how to care for a live Christmas Tree:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcO6jjz2Zsk&t=1s
So, what about our ‘Artificial’ Tree and why. My wife and I like having a tree in the house.
But unlike the ‘real’ tree, the artificial tree needs no water and sits right next to a heater vent.
The cost of this pre-lit tree was around $50, and we decorate it with ornaments. Our Concolor Fir (our ‘real’ tree) we cut at a cut your own operation, Hidden Pines Christmas Tree Farm in Clyde, Ohio.
The cost of this 6 ½ foot tree was around $70 with tax. In general, live trees start at around $10 a foot and can go up. Quality, variety, shape, fullness all enters in the cost.
A great website with locations of farms and outlets in Ohio can be found at the Ohio Christmas Tree Association:
https://ohiochristmastree.org/christmas-tree-farm-finder
For those in Northeast Ohio, customers can visit the Northeast Ohio Christmas Tree Growers Association at:
https://neochristmastrees.com/
This website contains information on tree varieties, tree care, and why buying a real tree is good for the environment.
So, what’s the right answer for you. I plead ignorance; We do BOTH!
Merry Christmas!
