by Heather Kindberg

Created on: September 27, 2009   Last Updated: October 07, 2009

"Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, of all the trees most lovely." This lyrical sentiment can apply to your own Tannenbaum whether you choose a traditional/natural tree or a man-made variation. Either type can be an excellent choice, and one enjoyed as much as the other.

PURCHASING A TREE

A natural tree takes more time and effort to purchase, transport, and put up, but for many the 'time and effort' are important aspects of the seasonal traditions. There may be nostalgia in making the trek to the lot and picking the 'perfect' tree. For others, the dressing of the tree is where the tradition lies, something that both natural and man-made trees can fulfill.

MAINTENANCE & DISPOSAL

One beauty of an artificial tree is that no ongoing maintenance is necessary. Natural trees must be watered on a daily basis. Clean-up after the holidays can also be more time-consuming with a natural tree: Besides following the needle trail with a vacuum on the way out, there are often local rules for tree disposal which may require cutting or visiting a drop site.

FINANCIAL DIFFERENCES

Both natural and artificial trees can be found all across the financial spectrum:

An approximately 6-foot, plain tree from a Christmas tree lot ranges, on the average, from $60-$100, excluding other financial considerations such as the purchase of a tree stand, flocking (faux snow), etc. The same size undecorated tree purchased at a grocery or hardware store may run somewhat lower in the $20-$80 range.

A 6-foot, unadorned artificial tree can run the gamut from around $100-$500. There are even some extreme "budget" artificial trees of this height well under the $100 mark. But with the one-time purchase of an artificial tree, even the highest price paid becomes diluted with every year of use.

HAZARDS

As a fire hazard, there is no doubt that artificial trees are safer than cut trees. Artificial trees labeled as such are made with fire-retardant materials, and they do not have the additional hazard of drying out. That said, there is fire danger with any tree when accompanied by Christmas lights, candles, or electrical problems. Still, and fortunately, according to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas tree and holiday lights fires are fairly rare and there are many preventive measures that can be taken.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

There is an ethical distinction to consider between real and artificial trees in their environmental aspect. With the already serious world-wide impact of tree-cutting, there is something careless in the chopping down and throwing away of trees to be used as short-term decorations. Even if the trees are eventually used as mulch, buyers are contributing to the clearing of forests. An acute benefit of acquiring an artificial tree is that it can be used year after year without waste.

THE BEAUTY

Today's artificial trees are often not easily distinguished from the real thing, and they can be just as stunning. They don't infuse the home with that amazing woodland fragrance, but candles and incense may fill that void for some. For others, there is nothing that can evoke memories of Christmases past like the true scent of a Christmas tree.

But by far the most important aspect of the Christmas tree in any home - no matter its origin, cost, or even its look - is the care with which it's chosen, the memories and meaning endowed by treasured ornaments or hand-made popcorn strings, and the people who gather around it to share in the fruits of its long-standing, spirited symbolism.

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