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. (WRDW/WAGT) – The second annual Juneteenth trail ride took place on Old Waynesboro Road in Augusta on Saturday.
The event featured trail rides with horses and ATVs, a mechanical bull contest and music.
People shopped at vendors, and there was entertainment for kids, including a petting zoo, inflatables and games.
“It’s really a privilege just to be able to have the opportunity to share my space, to share my area, and to share for an event with so much value, to give back to my community and a place to celebrate,” said Davon Wallace, chief of operations at Crimson Hills.
Wallace said they will be hosting more events, with a haunted trail coming in October.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has made multiple arrests in a deadly shooting that left one teenager dead and another injured early Saturday morning.
According to deputies, the incident happened June 20, at approximately 12:50 a.m. in the 200 block of Warren Road, where authorities responded to reports of shots fired involving two gunshot victims.
When deputies arrived, they located two 18-year-old men from Augusta.
Officials identified the victims as Eric Markquis Bartley Miller and Joseph Lamar Thomas.
Investigators say Miller sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thomas was also found with at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation.
As of Saturday afternoon, three teenage suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
18-year-old Dmihjay Collins, 17-year-old Tayshaun Thomas, and 17-year-old Joseph Thomas have all been arrested and charged with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of Machine Guns. They are all currently being held at the Webster Detention Center.
A fourth teenager, 17-year-old Reante Byrd was also arrested, but investigators have not linked him to the murder case. Byrd has been charged with Possession of a Pistol or Revolver by a Person Under the Age of 18. He is also being held in the Webster Detention Center.
No further details in the investigation have been released.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students showcased drones they built during a two-week summer camp at Augusta Regional Airport on Friday.
12 junior and high school students attended the camp, where they learned to fly and build drones designed to help others.
Anderson Puryear, a student, said the camp focused on delivering small medical supplies.
“It was focused on delivering small medical supplies like an EPI pen or glucose packet for like diabetics and for people with allergies in need in the real world that could obviously help save lives, and if people are like in a place in a boat or like in the desert or in the forest where they can’t easily access those supplies it can save their lives,” Puryear said.
The airport partnered with Georgia Tech, state troopers and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department for the Air Edu Summer Camp.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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