The holiday season is synonymous with traditions, and one of the most enduring is the selection of the Christmas tree. In recent years, a growing body of research and environmental awareness has brought attention to the numerous benefits of choosing a natural Christmas tree over an artificial one. From enhancing indoor air quality to contributing positively to the environment, real Christmas trees offer a multitude of advantages.

Health Benefits of Natural Christmas Trees

A article by Texas A&M University reveals a significant aspect of real Christmas trees often overlooked: their health benefits. The presence of a living tree in the home during the holidays can positively affect mental health, increase productivity, and elevate overall happiness. More than just decorations, these trees play a crucial role in enhancing the immune system and reducing anxiety, making them invaluable for our well-being during the festive season​​.

Unlike plastic-based artificial trees, natural Christmas trees do not release harmful pollutants. Artificial trees are often made from materials that emit volatile organic compounds. VOCs can deteriorate indoor air quality and pose health risks. In contrast, real Christmas trees help purify the air, creating a healthier environment for family gatherings.

Environmental Benefits

The environmental impact of Christmas trees is a crucial factor in the real vs. artificial debate. Real Christmas trees are grown specifically for holiday use, with a typical tree taking about 10 years to reach maturity. This long growth period allows these trees to absorb carbon dioxide, contributing significantly to carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change effects.

Post-holiday, natural Christmas trees offer a sustainable end-of-life cycle. They are entirely biodegradable and can be repurposed as mulch or used in landscaping. On the other hand, artificial trees are nearly impossible to recycle. This biodegradability ensures that real trees have a minimal environmental footprint.

The Problem with Artificial Trees

The convenience of artificial trees comes at a high environmental cost. Made primarily from non-renewable plastics and metals, these trees contribute to both pollution and waste. The production, transportation, and disposal of artificial trees involve significant carbon emissions. Additionally, as reported by the National Christmas Tree Association, artificial trees are almost impossible to recycle due to their mixed-material composition​​. Furthermore, 85% of artificial trees are imported from China, resulting in carbon emissions far higher than domestically-produced natural Christmas Trees​​.

According to Sustainability for All, in order for an artificial Christmas tree to become worth it, the fake tree would need to be used for a whopping 12 years — twice the average span of a time a fake Christmas tree is typically used for. Several sources even cite up to 20 years needed to offset the carbon footprint of an artificial tree.

The Economic and Social Impact of Choosing Natural

Choosing a natural Christmas tree also supports local economies, including small family-owned businesses like Ciro & Sons Christmas Trees. Most natural trees sold in the United States are grown domestically. Purchasing a real Christmas Tree supports local farmers and small businesses. This not only helps sustain agricultural communities but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation of artificial trees.

To learn more about how Ciro & Sons sources our trees, read our blog post on the journey of a Christmas Tree.

The Aesthetic and Emotional Appeal

Beyond the tangible benefits, there’s an undeniable charm and nostalgia associated with real Christmas trees. The experience of selecting a tree, the natural pine scent, and the unique character of each tree create lasting memories and a sense of tradition. These sensory experiences are integral to the festive spirit and cannot be replicated by artificial alternatives.

At Ciro & Sons, we’ve been serving Orlando and Central Florida for nearly 40 years — providing the freshest real Christmas trees.

Natural Christmas Trees are the Better Choice

Doubling down on a natural Christmas tree is more than a choice—it’s a commitment to health, environment, and tradition. With their air-purifying qualities, carbon-sequestering growth, and biodegradable nature, real trees offer a sustainable and health-conscious option for holiday celebrations. As we bask in the joy and warmth of the holiday season, choosing a real Christmas tree is a small, yet impactful step towards a healthier, greener future.

There are so many decisions to make around the holidays. What should you get for your family this season? Should you travel or stay home? What will you wear for family Christmas portraits?

With the holiday season right around the corner, the excitement and the holiday spirit are undeniably infectious. Among the myriad decisions to be made, one that prominently stands out is the choice between real and fake Christmas trees. This quintessential debate has been around for quite some time now, and while the final choice boils down to personal preferences, there are certain factors that might help sway your decision one way or the other.

Here, we delve deeper into the pros of both real and fake Christmas trees to provide a comprehensive understanding that might aid in making an informed decision this holiday season.

Embracing the Authenticity of Real Christmas Trees

Tradition and Togetherness

There’s something special about getting the family together, bundling up in your winter clothes, and stopping for a cup of hot cocoa or cider on your way to pick out a Christmas tree. It helps you create a tradition that everyone looks forward to each year and instills a sense of togetherness. 

Life is so hectic all the time – but choosing and decorating a tree together gives the family a reason to stop and appreciate the simple things. Plus, chances are, no one ever looks back fondly on their trip to the storage closet or hardware store to grab the Christmas tree. 

Variety and Uniqueness

Each real Christmas tree is unique in its shape, size, and even scent. Unlike a boxed fake tree, a real tree brings a different aura each year, making each holiday season distinct and memorable. The joy of finding a new tree year after year adds a fresh and exciting element to the festivities.

For Orlando and Central Florida Residents that choose Ciro & Sons Christmas Trees, when you decide to buy a fresh-cut Christmas Tree you’ll have the option to select a tree that fits your exact needs. From tall any skinny trees, to wide, lush, and full tress that make a statement — Ciro & Sons has the best Christmas tree selection in Florida.

Did you know that whether you visit our lot or reserve online, you’ll have the opportunity for a Ciro & Sons expert to assist you in finding your perfect tree? Simply let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll either show you! For early reservations, you’ll be able to specify exactly what style of tree you’d like and we’ll select the perfect tree for you prior to delivery.

Aromatic Ambiance

The aromatic essence of a real Christmas tree is incomparable. The fresh pine scent wafting through the home is emblematic of the holiday season, something that artificial scents and sprays struggle to replicate. Even better, the natural and real scent of a fresh-cut Christmas tree persists longer than artificial chemical-based scents.

Easier Fixes for Last Minute Light Stand Outages

Have you ever experienced a Christmas light strand going dark due to a one or more bulbs that have blown? If so, you’ll know how frustrating it is to chase down that illusive blown bulb. Even modern LED stands suffer from bulb complications. The good news is that, unlike fake Christmas trees, you won’t have to toss your Christmas tree if you can’t track down the problem. With a real Christmas tree, you can simply replace the strand if a simple change of a single bulb doesn’t fix the problem.

Real Christmas Trees are an Eco-Friendly Choice

Contrary to what one might assume, opting for a real Christmas tree is an eco-friendly choice. Christmas tree farming contributes to the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide, and with each tree cut, farmers plant new ones, ensuring a continuous green cycle. Moreover, real trees are 100% biodegradable, making them a sustainable choice as they return to the earth post festivities.

Plus, depending upon your local regulations and laws, disposing of a Christmas tree can be a great family activity, as they can be great fuel for a bonfire if done so carefully.

Real Christmas Trees Can be Flocked

Flocking is a technique which, when skillfully applied, provides a real Christmas tree with the appearance of freshly fallen snow. Unlike colored fake Christmas trees (which are mostly colored evenly and generally provide for an unnatural appearance), flocking a real Christmas tree looks nearly identical to real snow. Ciro & Sons offers both white flocking and flocking in multiple other colors, such as  blue, pink, orange, red, and black.

No Fluffing Branches!

Real Christmas trees require minimal adjustments and fluffing. Their natural shape, beauty, and rigid branches provide for a constant, lush appearance. With minimal care requirements, real Christmas trees are a beautiful and easy choice for your holiday decor.

The Convenience of Fake Christmas Trees

Budget-Friendly

Investing in a fake Christmas tree is budget-friendly choice, with most fake Christmas trees lasting several years. Especially during the holiday season when expenses soar, having a reusable tree can ease the financial burden slightly. However, this budget-friendly option can quickly turn into a problem if a pre-lit fake Christmas tree suffers multiple bulb or electrical issues that require replacement of the tree.

Apartment-Friendly

For those residing in apartments, especially on higher floors or in large complexes, maneuvering a real tree in and out can be a cumbersome task. Fake Christmas trees, compact and easy to handle, are a more apartment-friendly choice.

Creative Colors

While not as beautiful as flocking on a real Christmas tree, fake Christmas trees may be purchased in several colors. If traditional green trees don’t align with your holiday decor aesthetics, fake Christmas trees offer a plethora of color options. From pristine whites to vibrant pinks and blues, there’s a fake tree to match every unique style and preference.

No Shedding Needles

Fake Christmas trees require more set up than a real Christmas tree, as often the box or container they are in compress the branches so that each branch requires stretching an fluffing. However, fake Christmas trees do not require watering and do not shed needles. For some households, this may be a benefit worth considering.

Visit Ciro & Sons for the Best Real Christmas Trees in Orlando

Order your Christmas tree early this year with Ciro & Sons! We have the best Fraser Fir collection in Orlando. We look forward to giving you your tree this holiday season. Merry Christmas!