The neighborhood Christmas tree lot and its newly cut pines may soon be a rare sight if a new national study is correct about the artificial competition's rising popularity. A decline of 36 percent was reported for real tree sales - according to the National Christmas Tree Association, sales dropped from 32 million to 23.4 million between 2000 and 2003.

Nine million artificial Christmas trees were sold in 2004 according to the Association, up from 7.3 million in 2001. On average, an artificial tree lasts about six years. A fake tree on the Internet runs anywhere from $100 to $1500, a real tree at Home Depot costs from $25 to $50. For many families, cutting down a Christmas tree is an annual tradition. A real tree also adds something to Christmas that a fake tree can't: a scent.

Putting up and decorating Christmas trees is a time-honored tradition, and many families are faced with choosing between artificial and real trees each year. Here are a few things to remember when choosing which type of tree would be best suited for your needs:

•  Artificial trees remove the hassle of having to choose a tree from the lot.
•  Another good thing about artificial trees is that they do not need to be watered and the needles will not drop off and make a mess in your house.
•  The cash you save by buying an artificial tree can be spent on more gifts for your family or perhaps other types of decoration.
•  Fake trees won't bother you if you are allergic to the smell of pine.
•  Fake trees can't rot like real trees can.
•  Artificial trees are easy to assemble and store away.

In 2005 El Pasoans said they had seen less lots compared to years past. A more handy, safer and cost effective version may have taken their place. The Home Depot in that community reported a rise in the sale of prelit artificial trees. They said the Friday after Thanksgiving they ran out of trees and had to order more. Experts also say fake trees are safer because many of them are fire retardant.
Artificial Christmas trees can be set up much earlier and left up longer. Buying artificial helps prevent the cutting down of a live tree. Artificial trees are safe and flame retardant. Coarse needles will never prick you; so artificial trees are easier to decorate. The needles on your artificial tree will never shed. Artificial trees have a fuller, classier look. They also last for years, which makes them more economical. 

Do you really need a real tree to decorate your living room? Is it right to cut down a living tree just because it looks and smells better? 

There are a variety of arguments for and against buying a live or an artificial Christmas tree. Indeed, there are good and bad things about each type of tree. Here are the pros and cons of each:

Live Christmas Trees

Pros:

Fresh scent
Lots of unique selections to choose from
The traditional choice
Take in carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases and release fresh oxygen into the air.
Christmas tree farms help sustain the rural economy and provide jobs
Another tree is planted for each one harvested to ensure a steady supply year after year

Cons:

Need Constant maintenance
Can become a fire risk if not correctly maintained
Shed needles
Can only be left up for a limited time
Less economical
Transporting the tree and disposing of it after use can be difficult

Artificial Christmas Trees

Pros:

More cost-effective
Flame retardant
No maintenance necessary
Can be left up for as long as you like
No mess from needles
Huge assortment to select from

Cons:

Can look phoney and synthetic
Made from a non-renewable resource: petroleum
There is no advantage to the home economy, as a lot of fake trees are made abroad
Time required to assemble the tree
Requires storage space in the home
Insects may get into the carton while it is stored if not packed properly

Source: www.artificialchristmastreesonline.com