It is time to answer the age-old question: real or fake trees for the holidays? 

 According to the El Paso Times, 30 million Christmas trees are sold in the U.S. each year.

Two main factors go into deciding which tree to buy: Which is more cost-effective and which is more environmentally friendly?

Loretto junior, Isabella Lozano, said, “I prefer artificial trees because I have allergies to the real ones.

They (real trees) make a huge mess of little pine needles everywhere.

I also prefer artificial trees because they last longer so it’s cheaper in the long run. ” 

The average artificial tree costs around 80 dollars, which is about the same cost as the least expensive fresh Christmas tree.

For local places to buy fresh Christmas trees, visit Eastside Discount Nursery, located at 8423 N Desert Dr or Pearson Tree Farm in Canutillo.

Which is better for the environment?

To characterize fresh trees there are two distinct categories: from a farm or from the forest.

Trees that are grown on farms have been proven to have no detrimental impacts on the environment. 

According to a New York Times article, the average tree takes just under a decade to grow, and once it’s cut down, the farmer will normally plant at least one tree in its place.

A survey by the American Christmas Tree Association discovered that about 75 percent of the country puts up a Christmas tree each year, and of those 80 percent are artificial.

Although the artificial trees are usually shipped from China and eventually end up in landfills, if an artificial tree is used for more than 5 years, the environmental impact is lower than that of a real tree.

The city of El Paso has a program through the Environmental Services Department that offers to turn used fresh Christmas trees into mulch.

This is a free program allowing citizens to feel better about their tree purchases.

Another option is to donate the tree to Pearson Tree Farm, which will try to replant the tree in a city park.

As society becomes more eco-conscious, the holiday fun does not have to stop.

Both options, real or artificial are a great choice; it all depends on the consumer’s needs.