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

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