Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees: Which Is More Eco-Friendly?
Every holiday season, the same question comes up: Is a real or artificial Christmas tree better for the environment?
At first glance, an artificial Christmas tree might seem like the greener choice because it can be reused for many years. A real Christmas tree, on the other hand, needs to be replaced every holiday season.
However, the answer is more nuanced than it might seem. To compare their environmental footprints, we need to consider manufacturing, origin, transportation, lifespan, and end-of-life disposal.
And when you live in Quebec, there's another important factor to consider: the opportunity to choose a locally grown real Christmas tree from plantations that are renewed year after year.
1. Real Christmas Trees: A Renewable Resource
Contrary to popular belief, buying a real Christmas tree does not necessarily contribute to deforestation.
In Quebec, many Christmas trees come from dedicated plantations where they are grown specifically for the holiday season. These trees grow for several years before being harvested.
During their growth, Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) and temporarily store carbon in their wood and needles.
Christmas tree plantations can also provide habitats for certain wildlife species. However, like any agricultural activity, growing Christmas trees requires energy, resources, and transportation.
We Plant More Trees Than We Harvest
At Sapin Chez Michel, we place great importance on renewing the Christmas trees we offer.
We plant far more Christmas trees than we harvest. This practice helps renew our tree supply and allows new generations of trees to continue growing.
That's one of the advantages of a renewable resource: Christmas trees harvested for the holidays can make way for new trees grown for future seasons.
2. Artificial Christmas Trees: Reusable, but Made from Plastic
Most artificial Christmas trees are made from plastic, particularly PVC, along with metal components.
Their production requires raw materials and energy. Transportation also contributes to their environmental footprint, since many artificial trees are manufactured overseas before reaching Quebec consumers.
Their main advantage is their long lifespan. An artificial Christmas tree kept for fifteen or twenty years spreads its initial environmental impact over many holiday seasons.
However, artificial Christmas trees are generally difficult to recycle because they contain a combination of plastic, metal, and other materials.
Unlike real Christmas trees, they are not biodegradable and are not made primarily from renewable resources.
3. How Many Years Should You Keep an Artificial Christmas Tree?
This is one of the most important questions when comparing the two options.
According to the Carbon Trust, an artificial Christmas tree may need to be reused for approximately 7 to 20 years, depending on its weight and materials, to offer a climate advantage over purchasing a commercially grown real Christmas tree every year.
This estimate depends on manufacturing, transportation, farming practices, and how real Christmas trees are disposed of after the holidays.
In other words, replacing an artificial Christmas tree whenever you want a different decorating style can significantly reduce the environmental benefits of reusing it.
Our advice: If you already own an artificial Christmas tree that's still in good condition, keeping it for as long as possible remains an environmentally sensible decision.
If you're buying a new tree, a real Christmas tree grown in Quebec, sourced from renewed plantations, and properly recycled after Christmas can be an excellent choice.
4. Why Choose a Real Christmas Tree Grown in Quebec?
Here in Quebec, we're fortunate to have access to Christmas trees grown relatively close to home.
Choosing a Quebec-grown Christmas tree helps support local growers and encourages a well-established agricultural industry in our province.
Local sourcing can also reduce certain transportation distances compared with products imported from far away. However, delivery methods and the number of trips still matter when evaluating environmental impact.
At Sapin Chez Michel, all our real Christmas trees are grown in Quebec.
Our commitment to renewing Christmas tree plantations is particularly important: we plant far more trees than we cut down.
This approach helps replenish the trees grown for future Christmas seasons and supports a tradition built around a renewable natural resource.
Since 1968, our family has helped Montrealers choose their real Christmas trees at Jean-Talon Market.
Today, you can also order your real Christmas tree online and enjoy our delivery service throughout Greater Montreal.
5. What Happens to a Real Christmas Tree After Christmas?
A real Christmas tree's environmental impact doesn't end when the decorations come down.
How the tree is disposed of matters. When organic material decomposes in a landfill, it can produce methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
Fortunately, the City of Montreal organizes special Christmas tree collections after the holidays.
Collected trees can be shredded and turned into wood chips, allowing this organic material to be put to beneficial use.
How to Dispose of Your Christmas Tree Properly
- Remove all ornaments, lights, and decorations.
- Take off the tree stand.
- Do not place the tree in a plastic bag.
- Check your borough's collection dates.
- Follow your municipality's disposal instructions.
For collection details, visit the City of Montreal's official website .
6. Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees: A Comparison
| Criteria | Real Tree | Artificial Tree |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Renewable natural resource | Plastic and metal |
| Lifespan | One holiday season | Multiple years |
| Origin | Can be grown locally in Quebec | Often manufactured overseas |
| Renewal | Plantations can be replenished | Requires manufacturing new products |
| End of Life | Biodegradable and suitable for organic recycling | Often difficult to recycle |
| Main Advantage | Renewable and locally available | Long-term reuse |
7. So, Which Christmas Tree Is More Eco-Friendly?
The answer depends on several factors, but one thing is clear: a locally grown real Christmas tree, sourced from renewed plantations and properly recycled after Christmas, offers genuine environmental benefits.
If you already own an artificial Christmas tree, reusing it for many years remains a reasonable choice.
However, if you're shopping for a new Christmas tree, choosing a real tree grown in Quebec allows you to support a renewable resource and local production.
At Sapin Chez Michel, we place particular importance on this continuity: we plant far more Christmas trees than we harvest.
Beyond environmental considerations, real Christmas trees also bring something special into our homes: their fresh evergreen scent, their unique branches, and a holiday tradition that brings families together every December.
A Montreal Family Tradition Since 1968
At Sapin Chez Michel, Christmas has always been a family tradition.
For more than 55 years, we've welcomed Montrealers to Jean-Talon Market, helping families find the perfect Christmas tree for their celebrations.
We're proud to offer real Christmas trees grown in Quebec while placing great importance on renewing Christmas tree plantations.
By choosing your Christmas tree from Sapin Chez Michel, you're supporting a family business, Quebec growers, and a tradition that continues to grow year after year.
A Real Tree. Grown Locally. A Tradition That Keeps Growing.
Discover our selection of real Christmas trees grown in Quebec. Choose your tree online and have it delivered directly to your home throughout Greater Montreal.
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