Whether it’s your first year living on your own or you’ve recently begun to rethink your Christmas tree routine, you’ll likely find yourself debating among a real tree or an artificial one. While each option has unique benefits, many purists prefer authentic trees—a tradition that dates back to the 1500s. If you’re on the fence about your selection this year, here are a few benefits of visiting a garden supplies center for a real tree.

3 Incentives to Choose a Real Christmas Tree This Year

1. Environmental Benefits

Real Christmas trees have several benefits for the environment. One acre of trees can eliminate more than 500 pounds of carbon dioxide each year. Plus, after you use them, you can recycle real trees. After chopping them down, you can turn them into mulch, compost, or fuel for burning. On the other hand, artificial trees are likely to wind up in a landfill. Moreover, if you purchase a tree locally from a garden supplies center, it will have less impact in terms of emissions than an artificial tree coming from China.

2. Reduced Storage

If you’re like most homeowners, you already have holiday decor taking up space in your attic, basement, or closets. Although artificial trees can be broken down, they’ll require at least a few cubic feet of storage. For small homes and apartments, using that space to fit this item during the other 11 months of the year is wasteful. With a real tree, you won’t worry about keeping your tree in your house year-round.

3. Support Local Business

To find an artificial tree, you might compare prices online or visit big box stores to see which suits your preferences. Your one-time purchase supports a national chain, but shopping at a local garden supplies center helps a small business and keeps money within your community. And, while the production of artificial trees mainly happens overseas, many real trees are grown right in the U.S.

If you live in Clermont County, OH, and are seeking a trusted garden supplies center where you can find the perfect tree this year, turn to Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center. Having served the community since 1858, this center provides personalized service and quality products for farmers and homeowners alike. Find out more about their products and services online or call (513) 734-2246 to speak with a team member.