Real Christmas Trees vs. Artificial Trees: Which Is Better?
Thinking about a fake tree this year? Here’s an honest look at why so many Denver families still choose a fresh-cut real Christmas tree.
Why Choose a Real Christmas Tree?
A real tree is more than decoration. It’s the smell of fresh fir when you walk in the door, a family trip to pick the perfect one, and a tradition kids remember. Nice Christmas Trees has been helping Colorado families find that tree since 1965.
🌲 Grown as a crop
Christmas trees are grown on farms and harvested like any other crop. Growers plant new seedlings to keep their fields producing year after year.
♻ Recyclable & biodegradable
After the holidays a real tree can be chipped into mulch. Denver’s Treecycle program collects trees every January. Most artificial trees are made of PVC plastic and metal and end up in a landfill.
❄ That fresh fir scent
No candle or spray matches the natural fragrance of a Noble, Fraser or Nordmann fir filling your home.
🏠 Supports a local business
Buying from a Colorado family-owned tree lot keeps your holiday dollars in the community, instead of paying for a plastic tree shipped from overseas.
Real vs. Fake Christmas Tree: Side-by-Side
| Fresh-Cut Real Tree | Artificial Tree | |
|---|---|---|
| Look & feel | Every tree is one of a kind, with natural shape and texture | Uniform, and looks the same every year |
| Fragrance | Natural evergreen scent | None |
| Materials | Grown on a farm and fully biodegradable | Usually PVC plastic and metal |
| After the holidays | Recycled into mulch through tree recycling programs | Stored in a box, then thrown away when worn out |
| Storage | None needed | Takes up closet, garage or basement space all year |
| Cost | A yearly purchase, with options for every budget | Higher upfront cost, plus replacement when it wears out |
| Tradition | Picking out the tree is part of the fun | Pull it out of the box |
Which Real Tree Is Right for You?
Noble Fir
Sturdy, well-spaced branches that hold heavy ornaments. A favorite for decorators.
Fraser Fir
Rich fragrance and excellent needle retention.
Nordmann Fir
Deep green, soft needles and a classic full shape.
Douglas Fir
Full, fragrant and a great value for families.
Silver Tip
Striking silvery-blue tiers. A true showpiece tree.
Real Christmas Tree Questions
How long does a real Christmas tree last?
A fresh-cut tree kept in a stand full of water will usually stay fresh for four to five weeks. We cut our trees days before they arrive, not months, and give every tree a fresh cut so it can drink.
Are real Christmas trees messy?
Firs like Noble, Fraser and Nordmann hold their needles very well, especially when watered daily. A tree bag makes taking it out after the holidays quick and clean.
How do I keep my real tree fresh?
Put it in water as soon as you get home, check the water level every day, and keep it away from heaters and fireplaces. Christmas tree preservative in the water helps too.
What do I do with my tree after Christmas?
Remove all decorations and recycle it. Denver’s Treecycle program and many other Colorado cities collect trees in January and turn them into mulch.
Can I get a real tree delivered in Denver?
Yes. Order online and we deliver across the Denver metro area, or pick up at one of our tree lots.
Bring Home a Real Tree This Year
Thousands of fresh-cut trees from 3′ to 25′ at our Denver-area lots, with online ordering, pickup and delivery.
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