Tree Stories Waukesha: Do You Prefer A Real Or Fake Tree?

WAUKESHA, WI — According to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are about 25 to 30 million real trees sold in the U.S. every year, and for every Real Christmas Tree harvested, 1 to 3 seedlings are planted the following spring.

Proponents of real Christmas trees — and let's be real here ... it's a Christmas tree — say they like the experience of bringing home a live tree every year, and enjoying the smell of fresh pine for nearly a month.

Those who like fake trees have the ever-so-legitimate desire to avoid cleaning up pine needles for months after the holiday season. They are easy to clean up, maintain and last year-after year, providing a solid return on your investment.

We asked Waukesha Patch readers what their opinion was on the great real vs. fake tree continuum. Here's what they said.

Have a tree story? Email scott.anderson@patch.com to share yours!

Kris Brukardt Toole

"We prefer artificial. Less mess, less fire risk, can leave it up longer, and I am very allergic to pine, so breathing is a benefit, too."

Kimber Kaya

"I prefer a real one. They have been getting so expensive we have been waiting til the week of Christmas when the tree shops are shutting down and pick up a free discard. I do have an artificial just in case I have to use it."

Related Reading

2019 Waukesha Christmas Parade Lineup This year's parade, called A Magical Main Street Christmas, will step off at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24.

Thanksgiving Store Hours: What's Open, Closed In Waukesha Find adjusted Thanksgiving store hours and planned closures for the Waukesha area.

Get more free news and features from Waukesha Patch. Try our Facebook page, or Subscribe to our newsletter.

John Repp

"We had real until i was 12. That one shed its needles started Christmas day. Didnt get all of those needles out until a week after new year's. Been artificial ever since."

Suzi Feldner

"I'm old school: real Christmas trees, real flowers, real fireplaces. Ya - I get a rash from the first and the second 2 are more work, but totally worth it."

Cynthia Olson

"I prefer a real tree. They force me to take down the Christmas decor early too or I’ll have pine needles everywhere."

Cheryl Prondzinski

"I’d prefer a real one, but with pets and family members with allergies, we opt for falsies."

Sharon Smith Spearo

I" prefer a real tree hands-down… However, my husband insist on an artificial and since he is the one who puts it up I don’t have much to say about it LOL. I did Insist that we get one that looks very real."

Lauren Gordon

"Could we do the same “poll” with a menorah? How ridiculous."

Jeannie Sindicic

"My grandfather always cut down a real one, and we continued that tradition."

Sean Ninneman

"Artificial with 15 different colored LED lights that dance to Christmas carols.. I have 2 dogs that don't understand what Christmas is, but DO know what a tree is..."

Nikki Natvig

"Prefer real but will have a fake this year for the first time in 10 years. We have an artificial, just haven't used it."

Andrew Feldner

"I prefer a real tree, but the allergies have finally forced me to a fake. It had gotten so bad that it was taking me multiple days, and multiple antihistamines, just to put the lights on!"

Tanya Bruecker

"We do artificial. I like the pine smell with real ones but they are too messy lol."

Debbie Dexter Seeger

"Real! Never had an artificial & neither has anyone in my family!"

Gail Brault

"I always worry about fire with a real tree. So its artificial for me."

Jolene Schreiber

"Prefer fake. Save money, no watering, no worrying about allergies or dog peeing on tree."

Tiffany Zwicke

"Yeah my husband is allergic and I always kill it. But the fake ones always end up crumpled and look like crap."

Brenda Herzog

"No fake tree for me."

Marcy Deleon

"Fake all day!"

Aleesha Ann Garcia

"I prefer a real tree but because of allergies i have to get a fake tree:("

Nancy Panella

"Real."