Now that Thanksgiving is over and the dishes are cleaned, many Americans are gearing up for Christmas, leading to a common dilemma: choosing a Christmas tree.

For those wanting to make environmentally-friendly choices during the holiday season, selecting between a real and an artificial Christmas tree poses an interesting question.

Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, but let’s start with some background. Statistics reveal that artificial trees are more popular among Americans. A 2023 survey by Statista reported that 70% of American households plan to set up a Christmas tree this year, with 24% opting for a real one and 46% choosing an artificial tree.

The distribution of tree types is not entirely clear since more people are acquiring multiple trees—some opting for both real and artificial alternatives.

“The increase in artificial tree sales has mostly come from people buying second trees,” stated Mac Harman, CEO of Balsam Hill, a major provider of faux Christmas trees in the U.S.

When considering carbon emissions, a single Christmas tree has a minimal impact. Even the least optimistic projections estimate that an artificial tree used for one season produces approximately 40 pounds of carbon dioxide, while a real tree generates about 17 pounds. This assessment comes from a life cycle analysis conducted by WAP Sustainability Consulting in 2018. (Keep in mind that the environmental impact of artificial trees changes depending on how many seasons they’re used.)

For comparison, a one-way flight from Chicago to New York emits over 314 pounds of carbon dioxide, based on figures from the International Civil Aviation Organization’s emissions calculator.

So, which is the more eco-friendly choice? Here’s what you should consider.

Are Real Christmas Trees More Eco-Friendly?

Fresh-cut Christmas trees can help the environment as they take in carbon dioxide while growing, and keep land in agricultural use. Even though they are cut down, they typically grow on scrub land that is not suitable for growing crops. For each tree harvested, tree growers plant at least one new tree, as stated by the Real Christmas Tree Board.

Fresh-cut Christmas trees can be recycled 100%, provided they are not treated with chemical flocking.

While they grow, these trees also serve as vital habitats for wildlife such as birds and mammals, stabilize soil, safeguard water sources, and produce oxygen.

How you dispose of your real Christmas tree is important. Options include sending it to landfill, recycling it into mulch, burning it, or even sinking it into a lake to create fish habitats.

“You could place the fresh-cut tree in your yard to create a sanctuary for ground-nesting birds as it decomposes,” suggested Beverly Law, an emeritus professor of Global Change Biology and Terrestrial Systems Science at Oregon State University.

According to Bill Lindberg, a Christmas Tree Educator at Michigan State University Extension, mulching is the most environmentally friendly method of disposing of a Christmas tree. “Recycle it, chip it, use it as mulch. It can enhance soil quality.”

Find out if your waste collection service or a nonprofit organization offers mulching options. For instance, Georgia’s “Bring One For the Chipper” program has diverted over 6 million trees from landfills in over three decades.

One significant drawback of real trees is that if their origin is unknown, they might have been cut down and shipped over long distances, which can increase emissions.

The conclusion: If you choose a real tree, aim to dispose of it in an eco-conscious manner, such as by using a mulching service.

Are Artificial Christmas Trees More Eco-Friendly?

From a climate perspective, artificial Christmas trees face some challenges.

Most are made from plastic sourced from petroleum, with many produced in China, which means they are shipped long distances, contributing to their overall carbon footprint.

Additionally, they aren’t recyclable, so when no longer wanted, they end up in landfills instead of being turned into mulch like real trees can be.

However, a 2018 life cycle analysis found that if an artificial Christmas tree lasts for at least five years before being disposed of, its environmental impact can be mitigated.

A study conducted by the American Christmas Tree Association, which advocates for the artificial Christmas tree industry, found that when considering the disposal of an artificial tree, its environmental impact is similar to that of a natural tree.

The research indicated that the carbon impact of an artificial tree decreases the longer it is used. Breaking even, where the emissions from an artificial tree match those of a real tree, typically occurs after about five years of use.

However, a Canadian study published in 2009 claimed that this break-even point would not be reached until the artificial tree was in use for 20 years. Unfortunately, the organization that conducted that analysis has since dissolved, making follow-up data unavailable.

The most sustainable choice for an artificial Christmas tree is to purchase a used one, as this prevents it from ending up in a landfill. Many people discard these trees because the built-in lights have stopped functioning. By buying new, energy-efficient LED lights and replacing the old ones, you can prolong the life of the tree and further reduce its environmental footprint.

In summary: To enhance the sustainability of an artificial tree, make sure to use it repeatedly. Each additional year of use significantly minimizes its ecological impact.