The Christmas tree debate is almost as old as tinsel itself. Do you go for the convenience of an artificial tree, with its easy setup and reusability? Or do you embrace the natural beauty of a real tree, complete with that sweet piney scent—but with the added hassle of watering and stray needles everywhere? For many, the choice comes down to tradition, aesthetics, or ease.
But there’s now an extra layer to this debate: sustainability. Which option has the smaller environmental impact? As the festive season approaches, let’s explore whether real or artificial trees are better for the planet—and how you can make the greener choice this Christmas.
Real Christmas trees are grown on farms specifically for the purpose of being harvested. This means they don’t contribute to deforestation. In fact, these farms can offer environmental benefits during a tree's growth phase.
Carbon Sequestration: While growing, Christmas trees absorb harmful emissions from the atmosphere, helping to offset some emissions. A single hectare of Christmas tree farm can absorb up to 20 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Biodiversity Benefits: Tree farms often support local wildlife, providing habitats for birds and small mammals.
However, the environmental benefits of real trees can depend heavily on how and where they’re grown. Locally grown, pesticide-free trees are the most eco-friendly option. Imported trees, on the other hand, add hefty transportation emissions.
The way the tree is disposed of after use is another key factor. It's estimated that a 2m pine tree that is disposed of through burning emits only 3.5 kgCO2e, while the same tree left to decay in a landfill will emit 16 kgCO2e.
Composting or chipping your tree into mulch is the most sustainable option allows it to return nutrients to the soil. In many areas, you can drop your tree of at a recycling centre for this purpose.
Artificial trees are often chosen for their convenience and reusability. They’re typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of plastic, and steel, which require significant energy to produce.
The environmental impact of artificial trees comes down to two main factors:
Production Emissions: Manufacturing and transporting an artificial tree can generate up to 40 kgCO2e per tree. This footprint is much higher than a real tree’s impact.
Longevity: The key to minimising the footprint of an artificial tree is reusing it for many years. Studies suggest that an artificial tree must be used for at least 8–12 years to offset its initial environmental impact.
While artificial trees don’t produce waste in the short term, their long-term environmental footprint is significant. Most artificial trees eventually end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to break down. Furthermore, PVC is notoriously difficult to recycle, meaning most artificial trees cannot be repurposed after disposal.
Your choice depends on how you plan to use and dispose of your tree. Here are some guiding principles:
Choose Real if:
Choose Artificial if:
At FutureTracker, we believe that informed decisions drive meaningful sustainability. Whether you choose a real or artificial tree, it’s just one piece of the larger puzzle in reducing your environmental impact.
Our experts are well-equipped to guide you on this journey, offering tools and strategies to help businesses and individuals measure, manage, and reduce their carbon footprints.
If you’d like to learn more about FutureTracker, get in touch with us at enquiries@futuretracker.com for a no-strings-attached demo!
