Does the UK Prefer Real or Fake Christmas Trees?

There are a few debates when it comes to Christmas tree cadence, the first is often when to put it up with many going early but many leaving it to just before the big day, the other is whether to opt for a ‘real’ (natural) vs a ‘fake’ (artificial) Christmas tree.

At Timbersource, we teamed up with paper bag specialists Paper Bag Co to uncover where the UK stands on this debate and to dig deeper into what happens to real Christmas trees after the festive period. After all, trees are famously the source of timber, making this a topic close to our hearts!

The public prefers real trees, and the gap has widened

The growing interest in real Christmas trees in the UK appears to align with increasing awareness of plastic pollution. In 2024, searches for real Christmas trees outpaced those for artificial ones by a margin of 140,422, a significant increase compared to 2012, when the difference was just 53,482, so a 162% increase in the gap.

The data also shows interestingly that there has been a big spike around 2020, in time with the COVID-19 pandemic. The significantly higher consumers see a real Christmas tree as a luxury to the home, with the real tree smell and visual appeal you just simply cannot achieve from a fake Christmas tree.

Perhaps people are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of fake trees, which are made from non-biodegradable plastics and have a big carbon footprint.

Real trees, on the other hand, are biodegradable, recyclable, and often support local businesses when sourced sustainably. This shift shows how more people are choosing natural, eco-friendly options as concerns about plastic waste continue to grow. Whilst they can be a sustainable choice, if they are thrown away each year they can have a more negative impact than plastic alternatives.

We asked Christopher Law, Sales and Marketing Manager at Timbersource on some of the benefits of using Timber over other materials. He said:

“Timber isn't just for construction and interior design. It also brings the joy of the holiday season. From traditional Christmas trees to modern minimalist decorations, timber adds warmth and elegance to festive celebrations. Plus, purchasing real trees supports reforestation and the regrowth of trees, an environmental benefit you can't achieve with other materials”.

Around 8 million Christmas trees are thrown away each year

However, with research showing that around 8 million Christmas trees are discarded every year, even real trees come with environmental challenges if not disposed of responsibly. When these trees end up in landfills, they can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as they decompose.

For context, our calculations show this number of trees, if fit for purpose, could produce almost 50,000 tonnes of timber or 1.96 billion paper bags!

What to do with your Christmas tree in the New Year

After Christmas, real trees can be repurposed in several eco-friendly ways to reduce waste and make the most of their materials. Many councils and organizations offer recycling programs that turn trees into mulch or wood chips for public parks and gardens.

Old trees can also support wildlife by providing habitats for birds and small animals or contribute to erosion control in certain areas. Creative options include crafting tree trunks into rustic decorations or using branches for natural garden borders. These options ensure your Christmas tree is put to good use, minimizing environmental impact. Trees can also be kept and used again in the future if you have the space to replant them outside!

Reusing, recycling, and reducing waste during the festive season is key to minimizing environmental impact. Repurposing real Christmas trees, recycling them into mulch, or using natural materials like timber instead of concrete can make a big difference. Timber cladding for example is a sustainable option that requires less energy than the production of many other materials, such as steel or concrete.

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