Augusta, GA
Real or fake Christmas tree? Ga., S.C. differ in preference
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new report is shedding light on the age-old “fake vs. real” Christmas tree debate.
According to the analysis from Online-Casinos.com, more American states prefer real trees over fake ones.
Interestingly, Georgia and South Carolina apparently have a difference of opinion. A survey of residents found that people who live in Georgia prefer artificial trees, while their counterparts in South Carolina want the real thing.
Surveys from each state found that 32 favor real trees, while the other 18 are more likely to want artificial ones.
Looking at the map, the majority of the states who prefer fake trees are located south of the Mason-Dixon line, and nearly all of the southeast. Judging by the report, South Carolina and Tennessee appear to be the southeastern outliers.
States in the northeast almost entirely favor real trees, with Delaware the odd one out.
The report concluded that most of the states that opt for real trees are ones with long histories of farming and an emphasis on natural beauty. Climate and geography also appear to play a role.
Environmental impacts: real vs. fake
For eco-conscious consumers, the debate often boils down to environmental considerations. Both real and artificial trees have their pros and cons:
Real tree pros:
- Renewable and biodegradable
- Support local agriculture
- Absorb carbon dioxide while growing
Real tree cons:
- Require transportation (if not locally sourced)
- Disposal can contribute to landfill waste if not recycled
Artificial tree pros:
- Reusable for many years
- No need for annual purchase
- Low maintenance
Artificial tree cons:
- Made from non-renewable materials
- Energy-intensive production
- Difficult to recycle at end of life

Tips for choosing the perfect tree
Whether you lean toward real or fake, finding the right tree for your household boils down to your holiday schedule, budget, and priorities. Here are some tips to help make your decision:
- Consider your space: Live in a small apartment? A compact artificial tree might be your best bet. Have a spacious living room? Go for that towering real tree.
- Think about maintenance: If you dread vacuuming up pine needles or watering a tree daily, an artificial option might be more your style.
- Support local farmers: If you go for a real tree, try to buy from a nearby tree farm. This supports local economies and reduces the carbon footprint of transportation.
- Extend the life of your tree: For real trees, proper care (like watering and avoiding direct heat sources) can extend their lifespan. For artificial trees, careful storage ensures they last for years to come.
If you’re still on the fence, consider this fun fact: the carbon footprint of a real tree is generally smaller than that of an artificial tree, unless the fake tree is reused for at least 8-10 years
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta now has two finalists for planning and development director
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been the better part of a year since Augusta-Richmond County’s planning and development director announced her resignation, but now there are two finalists seeking to succeed her.
Officials announced Friday that the two candidates are Ryan A. Bland and Adleasia J. Cameron.
Officials haven’t yet released information about them, but News 12 requested their job applications and resumes, which are covered under state open records laws.
Carla Delaney resigned as planning and development director effective May 30.
“Augusta has been home to me for many years, from my time as a middle and high school student to earning my graduate degree. It has truly been a privilege to work here and contribute to the community’s growth, sustainability, and development,” Delaney said in her letter of resignation.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
School officials address recorded fight incident at Belair Middle
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Belair Middle School families received a letter Thursday after a fight was caught on camera.
According to the letter, as a bus driver was leaving the building Wednesday, students engaged in a fight that was filmed by others during after-school dismissal.
School officials said the bus driver pulled back in and administrators and public safety officials addressed the incident in accordance with the code of student conduct and discipline.
The students involved were removed from the bus, the letter states.
“Incidents of this nature are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our school,” said Principal Rischa Sturgis.
If you or your children have any safety concerns, please report them to the school or call the Safety Tip Line at 706-828-1077.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Georgia homeowners rally at Capitol for more oversight of HOAs
ATLANTA, Ga. — Georgia homeowners took to the Capitol for “HOA Day,” with many fearing they could lose their homes to their community associations.
Atlanta News First Investigates has documented hundreds of homeowners reaching out in the last year. Of those, almost half are in lawsuits with their HOA and 30% have liens on their homes. The average fine they’re facing is near $10,000, and they have no office to go to for help.
HOA Day at the Georgia Capitol began with homeowners gathering in Liberty Plaza. Dozens of homeowners pleaded with lawmakers to help.
“The frivolous fines are like your trash can from your backyard, your mailbox and your driveway should be pressure wash. And your fines are in excess of tens of thousands of dollars,” said Rose Lummus of Decatur.
“There’s no lawyers to fight for a homeowners because there’s more lawyers getting money from the homeowners association because of the financial gain,” said Rosalind Grigger of Smyrna.

Darrell Taylor of Villa Rica said his HOA wants to foreclose on his house. “We say we never got what we were promised, so why do I have to give you what you were promised?”
Even some HOA board members showed up to support reform.
“There’s some board members that are good… so we’re just trying to educate,” said Tamara Chase of Fairburn.

HOA Day was organized by Representatives Viola Davis, Kim Schofield and Sandra Scott and Senator Donzella James. The event continued with a call to action for all lawmakers to prioritize and protect Georgia homeowners.
There are several bills involving HOA oversight in both the Senate and House, but lawmakers are pushing two to the forefront: SB 406 and HB 1035. The bills would assign oversight to the Secretary of State and stop foreclosures for unpaid dues.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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