The long standing debate we go through every Christmas season, to get a real tree this year or an artificial one? There is no right or wrong answer, it is as simple as getting what is right for your wants and needs! We’ll take a look at the pros and cons of both to help you decide what is best for you and your family to go with this year.

The pros of real trees: They are beautiful, fresh, and each one is unique in shape and size. There is no one-size-fits-all when buying a real Christmas tree. This is the traditional way to go, as the first artificial trees did not go into production until the 1930’s. Buying and harvesting trees also stimulates the rural economy and for every tree harvested, one is also planted. Whether you cut down your own or purchase a real tree, going this natural route is definitely the “green” way to go.

A Charlie Brown Christmas tree sits at Island Park. Photo courtesy of Lee Fitzpatrick

The cons of real trees: If routine maintenance is not something you have the time for, then a real tree may not be for you. Real trees require water daily and they shed needles. Therefore, a consistent watering and vacuuming schedule is needed to avoid any hazards. Safety hazards involving real trees consist of house fires and allergic reactions to the type of tree. Transporting and disposing of your real tree may also prove to be time consuming and a bit difficult without a large vehicle and proper ties.

The pros of artificial trees: Artificial trees require very minimal maintenance, as there is no need to water them, no messy needles, typically easy to put up and take down, and they are hypo-allergenic. Artificial trees are also cost-effective since you can re-use them year after year for as long you want. For those of you that want to enjoy the Christmas season just a little longer, artificial trees can be left up for as long as you desire and most are flame retardant to help prevent house fires.

The cons of artificial trees: Some artificial trees are not so easy to put up and take down and can be difficult and time consuming to assemble. The typical family keeps their artificial tree for about six to nine years, so storage space is a must. Although artificial trees can be easier, easier is not always better. For the eco-friendly, this route is a definite con as artificial trees are typically manufactured with non-renewable resources, such as petroleum. So when you decide to swap out your tree for a new one, your old one stays in the landfills indefinitely.

Whichever you decide, make sure it is the best option for you! If you are looking for the perfect real Christmas tree, be sure to check out these tree farms suggested by local experts!

Pre-cut:

Dean’s Tree Farm-5655 Piper Rd., Alpena, MI 49707 (pre-cut or you cut)

Christmas tree lot on US 23 North, right next to Dean Arbor Ford dealership, Alpena, MI 49707

Alpena General Store-307 S. 3rd St., Alpena, MI 49707 (989) 916-7708

Kubbe’s Tree Farm-14339 Hubbard Lake Rd., Hubbard Lake, MI 49747 (989) 727-2363 (pre-cut or you cut)

Christmas tree lot on US 23 South, right next to Salvation Army and KMart, Alpena, MI 49707

You choose and cut:

Huron View Tree Farms-4700 Sucker Creek Rd, Black River, MI 48721 (989) 724-5510

Do you know of more Christmas tree farms in the area? Please contact us so we can add them to the list and check back for updates!

 

 

 

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