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Artificial or Real Christmas Tree? | Treasy Trees

Maxence Dauphinais-Pelletier
Nov 12, 2025 (Updated on Nov 12, 2025)
Artificial or Real Christmas Tree? | Treasy Trees

Between an artificial or real Christmas tree, which is best for you and your family? The holidays are the perfect time of year to cozy up with your loved ones and create lasting memories. The most whimsical and magical time of year, it is best spent around a beautifully decorated tree! Here is why a natural tree, like a real Balsam fir Christmas tree, for example, is the best choice for your home, your children and your pets. 

Quick Comparison – Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees

There is absolutely no doubt that between an artificial or real Christmas tree, the natural tree is the best choice for several reasons. By the end of this blog, you will understand why!

Not only does a real tree look better and smell better, but it is also safer for everyone’s health (including your children and pets) and gentler on the environment. Before we dive into the details, take a quick look at this summary table to understand why:


Natural Christmas Tree

Artificial Christmas Tree

Pleasant fragrance


Environmental Impact

Low

High

Dangerous Chemicals

None

Phthalate treated PVC

Safe for children and pets (with proper precautions)


Easy Installation


Easy Storage 


Support of Local Economy


 

I want a fresh Christmas tree delivery

The Magic of a Real Christmas Tree vs. Artificial Christmas Tree

There is no doubt that between a real vs. fake Christmas tree, the first choice will also add to the whimsical and magical nature of the holidays, especially if you choose to have your natural tree delivered straight to your door by a Nutcracker! That is what we offer at Treasy Trees, because we believe in keeping joy and tradition alive.

A Living Symbol of the Holidays

The tradition of having a natural tree in your home for the holidays dates back hundreds of years. And if you think of it, there is no greater “living” symbol for Xmas time than a living tree!

Are you worried about a natural tree and how long a Christmas tree lasts? With proper care and in the proper environment, it can last around 5 weeks or more.

Sustainable and Locally Grown

If you’re hesitating between a fake or real tree for Christmas, you might also be worried about environmental impact. You should know that real trees that are sustainably and locally grown are the gentlest alternative for the environment, on top of playing a beneficial role in climate change. They also support local economy!

The Joy of Family Tradition

Choosing among the best varieties of Christmas trees, like with a natural Fraser Fir Christmas tree, for example, is the best way to create family traditions and lasting memories. Nothing can replace the delicious scent and feel of a real tree in your home.

The Case for Artificial Christmas Trees (and Why They Still Fall Short)

Let’s take a closer look at real or fake Christmas trees. The first artificial Christmas trees were made from natural materials, so they were also sustainable. But they were soon replaced by aluminum trees in the 1950s and 1960s until plastic trees completely took over in the 1980s. 

Why Some Families Choose Artificial

Fake trees became the most popular choice right around the same time as microwave meals, fast food and disposable wrapping. We all know what these do to human health and the environment! The main reason families still choose fake trees is to save time (watering and needle clean-up) and the yearly expense.

But Here’s the Reality

Fake trees are made from harmful chemicals, period. They are generally made from phthalate treated PVC. Not only are these chemicals dangerous when ingested (like by your pets, for example), but they also release toxins into the air (off gassing), which are then absorbed by your lungs.

Need advice? Contact one of our Nutcracker

Real vs. Artificial – Which Is Better for the Environment?

Are you still wondering: are artificial or real Christmas trees better for the environment? We’ve established from a chemical standpoint that natural trees are safer.

But you might still be asking yourself: is a real or fake Christmas tree more sustainable? After all, we are talking about cutting down a tree every year.

The truth is, a natural tree that comes from a local Christmas tree farm, like a Wild fir Christmas tree, for example, is a sustainable resource that helps with climate change by creating cleaner air, on top of also being biodegradable. Fake trees only end up in a landfill and will remain there for hundreds of years.

Safety and Family Considerations

Are real or fake Christmas trees better for your children or your pets?

Real or Fake Christmas Tree with Cats

This is generally where some people may argue in favour of fake Christmas trees, believing that they are safer with pets. So, if you’re debating between a real or fake Christmas tree with cats, let’s keep in mind that, yes, fresh needles can cause toxicity when ingested by your pets, but so can fake needles. 

Moreover, tree-related toxicity is usually mild, and there are precautions you can take, like covering the water tank to prevent them from drinking from it. You can also opt for a high gate to block off access to the tree altogether. You might also want to consider a miniature Christmas tree, which is easier to manage!

Real or Fake Christmas Tree with Children

The choice between a real or fake Christmas tree with children is also an easy one, not only health-wise. In fact, by purchasing a natural tree from a local tree farm, you will also be teaching long-lasting values, like properly caring for the environment and supporting your local economy. And let’s not forget how the scent alone will trigger happy memories for years to come!

Why a Real Tree Still Wins

It is clear that between an artificial or real Christmas tree, a natural tree wins every time. On top of all the reasons mentioned above, a fake tree simply cannot replicate the natural scent and feel of a real tree and create lasting magical memories.

Real Christmas Trees, Delivered Fresh

For your Christmas tree delivery in Toronto by a whimsical nutcracker, trust in Treasy trees, and don’t miss out on our appearance on Dragon’s Den on Novembre 27th!

SOURCES :

Are Christmas Trees Toxic to Cats? | PetMD

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree- How Toxic are Thee?

Artificial Christmas Trees | Fatal Conveniences™ - Darin Olien