Every year, it’s the same debate…and it always ends in just about a 50-50 tie… real tree or fake tree? Here are a few facts to add clarity to what boils down to just an individual choice:
- Each year, the “Christmas tree” economy generates around $3 billion
- Over the last decade, fake trees have dominated, with overall tree says jumping by two million…and fake tree sales jumping by nine million
- It costs around $25 to import both fake and real trees
- Retailers sell real trees for between $80 and $100
- Fake trees generally go for between $200 and $400
- A fake tree lasts for an average of five years, which is $60 to $80 a year, making fake trees the cheaper option overall
- Real trees are eco-friendly and sustainable, and it takes about ten years to grow each tree
- Fake trees have a high carbon footprint, and won’t break down in a landfill
- Most local trees are domestic or come from Canada, so travel time is less
- 90% of fake trees come from China, so there’s great travel time and expense, and there’s a benefit to their economy
- Real trees smell better
- Fake trees don’t shed pine needles and are less likely to be a fire hazard
Source: CBS News