Christmas is always a festive time when all generations give free rein to their imagination. Garlands, bells, candles, baubles and Christmas wreaths are prepared to let people know that Christmas is coming. But the centerpiece that kicks off the festivities is the Christmas tree. Should you choose a natural or artificial one? How to choose for a successful Christmas?
The natural tree: the tradition continues at Christmas
Its popularity among families and those who love to celebrate Christmas is indisputable. The natural fir tree captivates with its pine scent. It is the shrub around which children and adults alike give themselves over to decorating and illuminating the house. The trunk of this fir tree is made of solid, natural wood.
But the natural fir tree has a very limited lifespan. At each end-of-year holiday period, this conifer must be renewed (cut natural fir tree). On the other hand, the natural fir tree in a pot can be used to celebrate another Christmas if it is quickly replanted and well maintained.
The natural fir tree with its conical shape is not easy to transport, especially if it is quite large and majestic. Its weight and thorny branches are in reality, which makes it bulky and prevents its movement. In addition, the thorns quickly lose their freshness if they are not protected. However, when you buy your natural fir tree, a net and a fir bag (to be placed at the foot of the fir tree) allow it to be wrapped and transported to its destination.
Buying a real fir tree can be profitable over time. You usually have to pay €50 to €100 to have a spruce tree delivered. For a Nordmann or Nobilis fir, the bill is higher. Expect to pay from €60 to €250 for large shrubs.
The species of the natural fir tree
All natural fir trees are grown to be used for the holiday season. Depending on the species, you may choose one fir tree over another.
Picea Albies
The spruce is the tree known to all. Its conical and bushy crown easily sets it apart from other species. Given the fragility of its short and thick needles, opt for a potted spruce. If cut, it risks withering and being in poor condition on the day of the party.
The Nordmann fir
Abies nordmanniana or northern fir highlights the dark green. It is a plantation that is most suitable for cutting. Even dried, its thorns remain intact and well attached to the branches for more than a month. The Nordmann fir gives off a good scent that prepares the spirits for the party.
Abies nobilis
It is a shrub that originates from the United States. It is particularly long and has very thick branches. The Abies nobilis with its green and blue color is a perfect choice, because it does not deteriorate under the effect of heat. It is a fir that is also increasingly cultivated in nurseries and specialized gardens.
Artificial tree, a good choice for Christmas?
The artificial tree is often sold in small pieces that are easy to assemble. It is more practical for a household living in an apartment given its weight. To celebrate Christmas every year with an artificial Christmas tree, simply take it out of the storage bag. Indeed, it is easy to maintain an artificial tree and even keep it for years. This synthetic conifer does not suffer from temperature variations and does not lose its freshness under the effect of heat. Its different colors or integration of multi-colored LED bulbs at the end of its branches are an advantage and saves money to spend on decoration.
However, the artificial tree is devoid of that intoxicating smell typical of the tree. Without the smell of a Christmas tree, the magic of Christmas does not have its full effect. Also, it is a tree that requires much more care, because it is mainly composed of plastic and aluminum. The latter can rust if it is not well maintained. So, at the end of each Christmas period, take the trouble to clean it and remove the dust before storing it.
Cost is also an important element to consider before choosing an artificial Christmas tree. In reality, the price of this tree in stores or in supermarkets can be expensive. This price obviously varies and depends on the quality of the stems or branches of the tree. You have to pay around €10 to get a mini decorative tree. Similarly, if you want a larger artificial tree (120-160 centimeters) you can pay a price ranging from €70 to €400. However, remember that once you buy this tree and maintain it properly, the benefits of this investment will spread over several years.
The snow-covered artificial tree: how to get this result?
The synthetic tree may be artificial, but it still attracts attention when it is covered in snow. These are, in fact, products used to create the snow effect. Among the most attractive snowfalls are flocking, flocked pines and the frosted tree.
Flocking
Flocking can be either fireproof or water-repellent. It is fireproof when the tree it is to cover is inside a room. Its advantage is its great ability to resist heat. In addition, being a fireproof product, it makes the white tree difficult to ignite. As for water-repellent flocking, it is useful for outdoor use, because it is more resistant to rain and humidity.
To take advantage of this process, ask your seller for an overview of the conditions of use and the type of flocking suited to your situation.
Flocked pines
Generally, flocked fir trees are white, but it is possible to vary the colors. They are silky and soft to the touch thanks to the mixture of cotton and glue (flocking) applied to the tree. The pines, despite being flocked, are very resistant and maintain their needles under the cloud of fake snow.
The Frosted Tree
Icing is a snow technique that gives a lighter effect than flocking. With icing, the conifer looks like a real Christmas tree covered in snow and ice. The effect is very realistic and natural. It creates an artificial environment. However, it is rare to find it in stores, but you can design it with an artificial snow bomb. Before using the homemade product and icing the tree, take the trouble to cover the ground nearby.
A natural or artificial tree: which is less harmful to the environment?
When choosing your Christmas tree, the balance often weighs in favor of the most ecological tree. Indeed, millions of households are now looking to preserve the environment through their habits and purchasing behavior. This is an issue that leaves no one indifferent. So, for Christmas we must also be eco-friendly.
The fir tree is often perceived as the tree with the least negative impact on the environment, because according to analyses, it would avoid deforestation. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Most natural fir trees come from specialized nurseries. Year after year, gardeners take care of planting other new shoots to balance the losses.
On the other hand, artificial trees are made of plastic and aluminum. The waste and garbage that these components generate have serious consequences for the environment. Not to mention flocked trees which are non-recyclable and cannot be reused for other purposes.
