Christmas Trees: Real vs. Artificial + What to Know About Toxins

Christmas trees are one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. There’s something about decorating the tree, turning on the lights, and making memories with your family that just feels like Christmas. 🎄

But if you know me, you know I also like to look at the things we bring into our homes and pay attention to the materials and ingredients we're exposed to.

So let's talk Christmas trees!

There are considerations with both real and artificial trees. Real trees can bring outdoor allergens and may have pesticide residues, while many artificial trees are made with PVC plastic and may contain certain additives.

Does that mean one is automatically better than the other? Not necessarily.

There really isn't a perfect option. It comes down to what matters most to your family and making the best choice with the information you have.

Real Christmas Trees: What to Know

I love the smell of a real Christmas tree, but there are a few things worth considering before bringing one inside.

1. Pesticides and herbicides

Christmas trees are agricultural crops, and some farms use pesticides to manage insects, weeds, and disease. The products and application schedules can vary depending on the farm and tree variety.

If this is something you're concerned about, ask your local tree farm:

• Do you use pesticides or herbicides?
• Which products do you use?
• When was the tree last treated?
• Do you offer organically grown or untreated trees?

You may be able to find a farm that uses fewer treatments or offers trees grown without synthetic pesticides.

2. Natural VOCs and that Christmas tree smell

That fresh pine smell comes from naturally occurring compounds called volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that freshly cut Christmas trees release VOCs, especially during the first few days indoors. The levels decreased significantly after the first couple of days.

For most people, this isn't considered a major concern. However, people who are sensitive to fragrances or certain airborne compounds may notice irritation.

A few things you can do:

• Let your tree sit outdoors or in a garage for a couple of days before bringing it inside, if practical.
• Keep your home well ventilated.
• Consider placing the tree away from bedrooms if you're sensitive to the smell.

3. Mold and outdoor allergens

Real trees grow outside, so they can bring along pollen, dust, and other outdoor material. Some trees may also have mold spores, particularly if they've been stored in damp conditions.

If you have allergies or asthma, consider shaking the tree outdoors and checking it before bringing it inside. A freshly cut tree from a local farm may also spend less time in storage.

Artificial Christmas Trees: What to Know

Artificial trees are convenient, reusable, and don't require watering. I completely understand why families love them!

But it's worth looking at what they're made of.

1. PVC plastic

Many traditional artificial Christmas trees are made with polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC.

PVC products can contain additives used to make the plastic flexible or improve its performance. Depending on the product and manufacturing process, these may include plasticizers and other chemicals.

Some older PVC products have also been found to contain lead. This doesn't mean every artificial tree contains lead or that simply having a tree in your home creates a significant exposure risk.

If you're shopping for a new tree, look for manufacturers that clearly disclose the materials used.

2. Flame retardants

Some artificial trees may contain flame-retardant treatments or materials. This can vary by manufacturer and product.

If you're trying to reduce exposure to certain chemical additives, ask the company whether the tree contains added flame retardants and request information about the materials used.

3. Off-gassing and dust

New artificial trees may have a noticeable plastic or manufacturing smell when first unpacked. Some products can release VOCs, although the amount varies.

If you purchase a new tree:

• Unpack it outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• Allow it to air out before bringing it inside.
• Wipe down branches to remove dust.
• Wear gloves while assembling it if you prefer to avoid direct contact with the materials.

What I Look for When Buying a Christmas Tree

If you're shopping for a new artificial tree, here are some things I'd look for:

• PVC-free materials, when available
• No added flame-retardant treatments, when available
• No artificial fragrances or scent treatments
• Clear material disclosures from the manufacturer
• Product-specific information rather than relying on general marketing claims

Some brands offer alternative materials or different manufacturing options. IKEA, Balsam Hill, and King of Christmas are examples, but don't assume every tree from a particular company meets the same standards. Check the materials and details for the exact model you're considering.

If you prefer a real tree, look for an organic or untreated option when available, and ask the grower about pesticide use.

Already Have an Artificial Tree? Don't Stress!

This is something I really want to emphasize.

You do not need to throw away a tree you already own just because you learned something new about PVC or other materials.

Personally, I've had the same artificial tree for 12 years. It's been aired out for years, it's part of our family Christmas traditions, and it brings me so much joy.

I'm not replacing it just to chase a perfect option. I don't stress Christmas, and I don't want you to either!

If you already have an artificial tree, here are a few practical ways to be mindful:

• Air it out: When you bring it out of storage, let it air out in a ventilated space before decorating.
• Wipe it down: Use a damp cloth to remove dust from the branches.
• Vacuum around it: A vacuum with a HEPA filter can help pick up dust and debris around the tree.
• Consider your air purifier: A HEPA purifier can help capture airborne particles. If you're also concerned about gases and odors, look for a unit with an activated-carbon filter. Neither type guarantees removal of every chemical.
• Store it properly: Clean and dry the tree completely before storing it in a dry area to help prevent mold and mildew.

Small steps are still worthwhile. You don't have to start over.

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

Whether you choose real or artificial, don't overlook basic holiday safety.

For real trees:

• Choose a fresh tree with green needles that don't fall off easily.
• Make a fresh cut at the bottom of the trunk before placing it in the stand.
• Keep the stand filled with water and check it daily.
• Keep the tree at least three feet away from fireplaces, heaters, candles, and other heat sources.
• Remove the tree when it becomes dry or starts dropping needles.

For all trees:

• Use lights that have been tested by a recognized safety laboratory.
• Check light strands for damaged cords or broken bulbs.
• Turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Keep the tree away from exits and walkways.

And please don't burn your Christmas tree in your fireplace or wood-burning stove. Dry branches and needles can create a serious fire hazard.

My Final Thoughts

There is no perfect Christmas tree, just like there is no perfect home.

If you love real trees, look for a local farm that can answer your questions about growing practices. If you prefer artificial trees, pay attention to materials when shopping for your next one.

And if you already have a tree that your family has used for years? Enjoy it!

I think it's important to be informed about what we bring into our homes, but I also think we can do that without turning every holiday tradition into something stressful.

Make the choices that feel right for your family, take the steps that are practical, and enjoy the season. 🤍

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any health condition. Product materials and manufacturing practices vary, so check directly with manufacturers for current product-specific information.