Real Christmas Trees vs. Artificial Christmas Trees

People take their Christmas trees very seriously. When they choose a Christmas tree it has to be just right. It has to be just the right shape and size, it can't be too tall or too short and it can't be too "fat" or "skinny". However, for many, the most important aspect of choosing a Christmas tree is whether it is real or artificial. This begs the question of whether one is better than the other. Is a real Christmas tree better than an artificial tree or vice versa?

There are several reasons why one could argue that one is better than the other. For instance, obtaining a real Christmas tree requires cutting down a live tree. Many will argue that it is unhealthy for the environment to cut down a live tree. On the other hand, it can also be argued that the manufacturing process used to create artificial trees combined with the fact that they are not recyclable or biodegradable, makes artificial trees detrimental to the environment.

For those that are not so concerned with the environmental factor, the choice between a real Christmas tree and an artificial Christmas tree is more a matter of personal taste. Some might prefer a real tree because they like the natural pine scent that they emit or because they enjoy spending time with their family picking out the "perfect tree." Others might enjoy an artificial tree because they are more convenient and require less maintenance. There also some people that like both real and artificial trees. They may use a real tree one year and an artificial tree the next.

There are certainly pros and cons to both types of trees. Real trees do require food and water in order to survive the holiday season. They also tend to dry out and drop needles all over the place, which is not only a fire hazard but it also requires daily clean up. The upside to real trees is that there is nothing better than the real thing. They do not look or smell fake. Also, real trees absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen and they are recyclable as well.

Artificial trees, while being more convenient than real trees, do require a fair amount of storage space each year. They also require assembly that can be time consuming. Artificial trees are significantly more expensive than real trees, especially those that are more realistic looking. The pros of artificial trees are that they last much longer than real trees, they don't require any maintenance, they are more economical because you don't have to pay for them every year, and there are many different types to choose from.

Ultimately, when it comes right down to it, it is up to the individual to decide whether a real tree is better than an artificial tree or vice versa. There are many pros and cons to take into consideration before purchasing either one. In the end, what matters is that you are happy with the tree that you chose, regardless of what your reasons were for choosing it.

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A Christmas tree skirt is really a beautiful inclusion to your centerpiece of your Christmas decorations, be it an antique piece which has been inherited over the decades or a beautiful homemade item that you created yourself the year before. This unique addition to the christmas tree comes with a combined purpose of adding color and style plus shielding the spot underneath the tree and covering an unappealing tree stand. A Christmas tree skirt is available in an array of sizes, colors and styles, therefore you will definitely discover one that matches your entire holiday décor really well. To get more advice on picking out the best Christmas tree skirt for your home, read the tips below.

Size
The size of the Christmas tree skirt may perhaps be one of the more important factors to take into consideration, because a skirt that may be too small or too large can look out of proportion with the Christmas tree. Tree skirts which are too wide may also turn into a tripping hazard for anyone moving around the tree. An effective guideline would be to select a Christmas tree skirt that is no wider than the widest branches at the base of your tree. Additionally it is recommended that you make sure that your skirt will completely cover the tree stand beneath.

Design and style
When your tree is generally classically elegant, with strings of white Christmas tree lights and delicate glass ornaments, then your Christmas tree skirt should follow suit. You might choose a Victorian style made from velvet and lace, or select a simple satin in a metallic shade for a little glamour. Country trees are perfect for any quilted Christmas tree skirt, or maybe one which is crocheted in festive yarn. Sometimes, the most beautiful Christmas tree skirt can be a simple wrap of fake snow to get a natural look, or even a festive throw for a more homely effect. For smaller sized trees, pretty napkins are usually draped around the bottom of the tree for a stylish look.

Make your Own Christmas Tree Skirt
When you are a crafty gal, making a personal Christmas tree skirt may be the ideal way of getting into the spirit of the season. It doesn't matter if you like quilting, crocheting or stitchery, you will find a lot of beautiful designs and styles on the web or in craft magazines. Homemade skirts can also be a fabulous gift for somebody special on your list. Think about the newly weds who are just starting their life with each other and may not have a lot when it comes to christmas decorating just yet. Such items typically become family possessions which are cherished and used by generations to come.

A Christmas tree skirt is really a beautiful finishing touch to your holiday décor. Because there are many colors and styles out there, you're certain to choose a Christmas tree skirt which will go with the rest of your seasonal home wonderfully.

We all know what a Christmas tree is and we all know about the trees that are available, be it a Real Christmas tree or an Artificial Christmas. But how many of us actually know what the Artificial Christmas tree we are purchasing is constructed from, who first manufactured them and how the tree we are buying is produced?

This article follows on from our recent 'PE Artificial Christmas Trees' article, explaining what the PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride ) Christmas tree we are buying is, the process involved in manufacturing this type of Artificial Christmas tree and the benefits of purchasing a PVC Artificial Christmas tree. We hope after reading both of these articles you are armed with all you need to make an informed choice when choosing your perfect artificial tree for Christmas.

So what is PolyVinyl Chloride? PVC, also commonly known as vinyl, is a lightweight and durable synthetic polymer material (or resin), formed by combining ethylene derived from petroleum, natural gas, or coal and chlorine. This type of plastic can be found in numerous everyday products from building construction, interior furnishings, packaging, office supplies, electronics and appliances to medical equipment and vehicle parts to name just a few. Its wide range of use is partly down to the fact that it is durable and fire-resistant making it an ideal material for the humble artificial Christmas tree.

However the Artificial Christmas trees we purchase in the UK market utilise an extremely high quality PVC for the durability required to help an artificial tree last 10 or more years whilst retaining its colour and shape. You can also rest safe in the knowledge that these modern manufactured artificial trees are made with a type of PVC that is chemically and mechanically stable and is safe to use, and believe it or not, can actually be kinder to the environment (in the long term) than a natural 'cut' Christmas tree; I will explain this further on in this article.

The first artificial Christmas tree was invented by a company who made toilet bowl brushes, the Addis Brush Company. However since the first design concept was made into reality the materials used, and the thought process behind the designs, have thankfully progressed rapidly; however it is still interesting to know the that first artificial Christmas tree was actually just a really big green toilet bowl brush!

They are durable, easy to assemble, maintain, decorate and dismantle ready for the next year. There is also the added benefit in that they do not leave pine needles on the floor or leak sap, they do not need to be watered, which can damage floors and carpets, will not have unsightly bare spots, and do not bring the odd bug from the farm where they where grown into the home. The branches are resistant to fading, and they are also crush resistant to keep their shape year after year.

These artificial trees can be produced in a number of different ways, and are predominantly produced in China although there are some quality tree producers in Europe also. The 'needles' of the tree are mostly produced from slices of PVC film. This film is wound around and through shaped metal branches made to different sizes in order to mimic the appearance of a real tree. Although a PVC tree is realistic, once you are within a few feet you will certainty notice that it is artificial, where as a PE tree is barely indecipherable to that of a real Christmas tree.

From an environmental standpoint, modern developments in PVC production means that it now has excellent recyclable properties, allowing manufacturers of artificial trees to recycle scrap PVC from within their own factories. There are also regulations for quality control and safety within PVC production methods. PVC also requires only 70 percent of the energy needed for production compared to other plastics.

This translates into less carbon dioxide emissions, making it more environmentally friendly. When compared to a real tree, an artificial actually uses less resources over the course of its 10 - 20 year life, uses less pesticides and substances that can be a danger year on year to wildlife and is a much more affordable option at Christmas time.

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