A Real Christmas Tree vs. Artificial: The Great Green Christmas Tree Debate

Which type of Christmas tree is greener? What’s the true difference with a real Christmas tree vs. artificial ones? We’re looking at the research to find out the most eco-friendly option to celebrate the holidays.

We all have a different idea of what a traditional Christmas looks like. Some take solace while packing their tree away that it will be reused year after year, saving money and the lives of beautiful evergreen forests.

Others feel the connection to nature while tracking down the perfect tree, safe in the knowledge that their tree will provide mulch after it has performed its cheerful holiday duty. And so far, both sides have seemed accurate in their assumptions.

Until now. It seems that one side has a slight edge over the other, though newer research from The Nature Conservancy adds a bit more nuance to the conversation: in most cases, a locally grown and properly composted real Christmas tree is still considered the lower-impact option.

A Real Tree is Usually the Greener Choice

Artificial trees don’t biodegrade when they are finally disposed of, unlike real trees. These trees are also made with potentially toxic materials, namely PVC plastics made from petroleum and metal components that are difficult to recycle. Most artificial trees eventually end up in landfills.

The fact that many cities mulch Christmas trees when they’re discarded gives the real trees two lives; one as a heart-warming holiday remembrance, the other in town-wide planting.

Also, given the complex chore of simply getting a cut tree home, it can be assumed that we tend to purchase them locally. In comparison, the average store-bought cardboard-packaged artificial tree has often traveled thousands of miles before reaching stores, adding transportation emissions to its environmental footprint. 

Christmas tree farms grow trees year round, meaning these trees are absorbing carbon throughout the year. Real Christmas trees can also provide wildlife habitat while they’re growing, and many tree farms continuously replant new trees after harvest. 

If these facts aren’t enough, the numbers may be the best proof yet to switch to natural. Several life-cycle analyses continue to show that real trees generally create fewer greenhouse gas emissions than artificial trees, especially when the real tree is composted or mulched after the holidays. 

One important detail newer studies highlight: disposal matters. A real tree that is composted or recycled has a much smaller environmental impact than one sent to a landfill, where decomposition can release methane. 

If these facts aren’t enough, the numbers may be the best proof yet to switch to natural. On average, an artificial tree produces 8.1 kg of greenhouse gases per year (source).

If You Already Own an Artificial Tree, Keep Using It

Older studies often suggested an artificial tree would need to be used for at least 20 years to offset its environmental impact. More recent analyses suggest the “break-even” point may be lower depending on transportation, disposal methods, and how often the tree is reused. Some studies estimate that reusing an artificial tree for around 5–10 years can significantly reduce its yearly footprint. 

The current consensus seems less about throwing away an artificial tree you already own and more about avoiding a cycle of replacing them frequently. A high-quality artificial tree used for many years is generally considered a better choice than buying a new one every few seasons. 

And, really, what matters in the end is what the tradition looks like to each of us. We can take this information to heart and make a concerted effort to “go natural” this holiday season. We can also decide that our year-round efforts are enough, and that this one choice towards the artificial isn’t a life-altering deal. We could also take it one step further and drastically decide to deck the halls in a manner that avoids both options, going tree-free or by decorating an outside evergreen instead.

If you choose a real tree, try to compost or recycle it at the end of the holiday so it can be turned back into nutrient-rich mulch or soil rather than ending up in a landfill. Many communities now offer tree recycling programs after the holidays. 

Whatever you choose is what’s right for your family. This season is about our very personal choices in creating tradition, whether that means unpacking the same beloved artificial tree each year or filling your home with the scent of fresh pine and sticky sap fingers.

The research may lean toward real trees as the greener option overall, but thoughtful reuse, local sourcing, and proper disposal can all make a meaningful difference.

More Eco-Friendly Holiday Resources

Here are more ways to make your holidays more meaningful, eco-friendly, and fun.

Make a Holiday NOT To-Do List
10 Weeks to a Green, Sane Holiday
30 Merry Things to Do with Kids on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
How to Manage Your Child’s Gift Expectations
Want Need Wear Read gift tags
How to Cut Back on Toys This Holiday