Real vs Fake Christmas Trees: Which Is the More Sustainable Choice?

As December rolls around, homes and workplaces across the UK face a familiar festive decision: real Christmas tree or fake Christmas tree? 

It might seem like a simple aesthetic choice, but when you look through a sustainability lens, the answer matters more than you might think.

With sustainability climbing higher up business and household agendas, it’s worth taking a moment to explore the environmental impact of our Christmas trees and how small choices can make a meaningful difference.

christmas tree

The Carbon Footprint: Fake Tree vs Real Christmas Tree

A real Christmas tree, standing at around two metres tall, typically has a relatively low carbon footprint — if it is disposed of properly. When recycled through chipping or composting, a real tree produces around 3.5kg of CO₂ over its life cycle. However, if it ends up in landfill and is left to rot, that figure can rise significantly.

A fake Christmas tree, on the other hand, starts with a much higher carbon cost. Made largely from petroleum-based plastics and metal, the average artificial tree generates around 40kg of CO₂ during production and transport. To put that into perspective, a fake tree would need to be reused for at least 10–12 years before it begins to match the carbon footprint of a responsibly managed real tree.

So while fake trees are often marketed as the greener option, the sustainability maths only works if they are reused for a very long time.

Biodegradable vs Non-Biodegradable Materials

Real Christmas Trees

One of the biggest sustainability advantages of a real Christmas tree is that it is fully biodegradable. After Christmas, it can be recycled into mulch, compost, or wood chippings. In some cases, trees are even reused in conservation projects to support riverbanks, coastal defences, or wildlife habitats.

Before they’re harvested, real Christmas trees also play a positive role in the environment. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and provide temporary shelter for birds and insects. While they are often cut before reaching full maturity, they still contribute to the ecosystem during their growing years.

Fake Christmas Trees

Fake trees are a very different story. Most are made from PVC plastic, which is non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle. Once a fake tree reaches the end of its life, it is likely to spend hundreds of years in landfill, slowly breaking down and potentially releasing harmful chemicals.

From a sustainability perspective, this long-term waste impact is one of the strongest arguments against artificial trees.

Production, Transport and Resources

Real Christmas trees are grown much like a slow, managed crop. They take 6 to 12 years to reach harvest size and require ongoing care, including pruning and pest management. When bought locally, transport emissions are relatively low.

Fake trees, however, are usually manufactured overseas using fossil fuels, energy-intensive processes, and long-distance shipping. The environmental cost of transporting millions of artificial trees around the world every year adds significantly to their overall footprint.

Choosing a locally grown real Christmas tree supports local growers while keeping transport emissions down a simple but effective sustainability win.

Supporting Forests, Biodiversity and Rural Economies

Buying a real Christmas tree can actively support sustainable land use. For every tree harvested, growers typically plant one or more seedlings in its place. This helps maintain managed forests, which store carbon, support wildlife, and prevent land from being sold for urban or industrial development.

These tree farms provide habitats for birds and small mammals and help protect soil and water quality. In contrast, fake trees contribute little beyond convenience.

So, Which Christmas Tree Is More Sustainable?

In most cases, a real Christmas tree is the more sustainable option, especially when it is:

• Grown and purchased locally

• Farmed responsibly

• Recycled, composted, or repurposed after use

A fake Christmas tree only becomes the lower-impact option if it is already owned and reused consistently for well over a decade.

How to Make Your Christmas Tree More Sustainable

If you want to reduce your environmental impact this festive season, consider:

• Buying a second-hand fake tree

• Choosing a living, potted Christmas tree

• Decorating an existing outdoor tree

• Recycling your real tree after Christmas

• Repurposing the tree for wildlife or garden use

Small choices add up especially when repeated year after year.

The Christmas tree symbolises warmth, hope, and togetherness. With a little thought, it can also reflect our commitment to sustainability. Whether you choose a real Christmas tree or reuse a fake one you already own, the most sustainable option is the one that avoids unnecessary waste and supports healthy ecosystems.

This Christmas, sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing tradition it simply means making it more thoughtful.