How to choose a Christmas tree – artificial vs real?

Tristan Sissons, Head of Purchasing at Hillier Garden Centres advises:

“When it comes to purchasing a Christmas tree, people are faced with the choice between an artificial tree and a real one. Each has its benefits and entirely depends on the needs, lifestyle and home it will be placed in. 

“When choosing a real tree, some may worry about the environmental impact of cutting and removing them. However, Christmas trees are fully biodegradable (once you’ve taken off the decorations, of course!) and can be reused as mulch or compost for your garden. It’s also wise to do a bit of research to ensure the tree you're buying was grown sustainably, helping protect the planet and supporting responsible growers. 

“Real trees are grown for years before they are sold, and as they grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the air, resulting in a low, if not positive, carbon footprint. With commercial Christmas tree production and harvesting, more trees are planted than cut down – furthering the eco credentials and positive environmental impact. Not only that but they are seen by some as the more traditional option with family outings to pick the tree being the start of the Christmas season for many. Real trees have a natural look and authentic scent that cannot be matched, as well as knowing it is truly unique. If all that weren’t enough, they also help to improve air quality in the home, helping to fight away winter colds! 

“On the other hand, artificial trees are an amazing cost-effective and low maintenance option. They can be used year-on-year so after the initial purchase are essentially free for the following Christmases! Because they can be used for years to come, they also avoid the ‘one use and dispose of’ mentality. Artificial trees are an effortless, easy solution as they can be bought online, are simple to assemble (and put away) and won’t drop needles all over the house – some even come pre-lit so you don’t have to untangle wires! Plus, they consistently look just as good throughout the entire festive period and beyond. The design and style of artificial trees have also evolved in recent years and many look just as good as real ones nowadays, often giving the balance and gap-free style that real trees can sometimes lack. 

“When selecting a quality artificial Christmas tree, there are several factors to consider.  

“The number of branch tips is an important indicator of quality. A tree with more branch tips will appear fuller and more natural. Quality trees typically have branch tips that are thick and dense rather than sparse. Pre-lit trees are another feature worth considering. High-quality pre-lit trees come with durable, evenly spaced lights that are often LED, offering better energy efficiency and a longer lifespan. When choosing a pre-lit tree, ensure that it has a good warranty for the lights, as they can be difficult to replace. 

“Lastly, consider the height and width of the tree to ensure it fits well in your home. Make sure the tree comes with a solid base for stability and a storage bag to protect it when not in use. 

“And don’t forget the finishing touch – the lights! To complete your festive look, the right lighting can make all the difference. Hillier’s extensive range of Christmas lights includes both indoor and outdoor options, from warm white LEDs for a classic glow to multicoloured settings for a more playful feel. Many come with timers or remote controls, making it easy to create that magical Christmas atmosphere at the touch of a button.” 

Ends

Editors notes

“To inspire the creation of green living spaces for now and the future” Hillier is one of the leading names in the horticultural industry, with 160 years of growing and retail experience.

Founded in 1864 by Edwin Hillier, the company remains a family-run nursery with the fifth generation now actively involved in the family business as it continues to grow.

Not only is Hillier the largest producer of semi-mature trees in Europe and grower of over one million plants at its Hampshire nursery, but it also employs over 750 staff across its nursery, amenity trees and 22 garden centre divisions and is a flourishing multi-million pound company. It proudly holds the world record for the most consecutive gold medals awards at the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with 74 wins.

As one of the leading growers in the UK, Hillier is involved in many peat-free initiatives, including the RHS Peat-Free Fellowship, the largest peat-free collaborative research project globally. The company was amongst the first nurseries to become 100% peat-free across both its production nursery and retail garden centres, and all Hillier plants are grown in peat-free compost.

Recent successes for the company include the launch of its online shop, the substantial redevelopment of Hillier Garden Centre Newbury and the acquisition of the Rosebourne Garden Centre Group in November 2022, as well as sponsorship of BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, and the incredibly popular free ‘Hillier Gardening Club’ loyalty program which now has over half a million members.

Renowned for being a leading breeder of plants in the UK at its 100% peat-free nursery in Hampshire, each year Hillier introduces amazing new varieties. Many of these have become essentials in British gardens and the company continues with the tradition of innovation and the introduction of new garden plants in the present day.