What's Christmas without a tree? Each holiday season, shoppers find themselves confronted with a choice: Celebrate with a fresh, natural tree, or an artificial tree made of plastic or aluminum? Landscape designer Ahmed Hassan, host of DIY's “Yard Crashers,” offers a rundown of natural, artificial and even funky tree options.
Natural treesOne benefit to choosing a natural tree, of course, is authenticity, right down to the pine-y aromas. Plus the use of real trees is more earth-friendly, as they are 100 percent biodegradable. Here are some options:
Fraser fir tree
- Trees grow to almost perfect shapes
- Attractive one-inch needles are silvery-green and soft to touch
- The space between branches makes them easier to decorate
- The firm branches hold heavier ornaments
- If properly watered, fir has excellent needle retention
- Average cost is $10 per foot
You can use an evergreen watering system with this tree. This one from Evergreen Seasons comes in a variety of styles. It looks like a present but contains water in a 3.5 gallon reservoir for your tree.
To protect your tree from fires, try No-Burn's nontoxic Christmas Tree Fire Gard spray ($19.95; www.noburn.com). Spray your real Christmas tree 24 hours before decorating.
Live Ball and Burlap Norway Spruce trees
- You can use these as your Christmas tree, and then plant in your yard the week after Christmas
- In the house, put it in a pot and keep it moist (but not soaked)
- After Christmas, you can plant in areas of country where the ground isn't frozen
- Make sure to add mulch to keep the roots protected
- Water regularly for first two weeks to ensure the roots take
- Check out your local Christmas tree grower association to find out locations in your area that carry these
- Average cost: $55
Artificial trees One of the benefits of an artificial tree is that it is less work — 80 percent of artificial trees sold today come with lights, in fact. You'll always get a perfect shape, there's no watering involved, plus they are made with fire-retardant foliage. Finally, they are an investment, and may even save you money over time. Here are some artificial tree options:
Balsam fir
- Size range: 4.5 ft. to 9 ft.
- Price range: $179-$999
- Two-toned needles
- Soft slender branches
- Full and dense to cradle ornaments
- Comes with either clear or color lights with remote control to switch between the two
More info at
Instant evergreen
- Looks like Colorado Mountain Spruce
- Exclusive “pull up” design
- New in 2008
- Sets up in just minutes
- Unit price: 6 ft. tall: $279
More info at
Funky artificial trees
Stephen J. Colbert National Treasure Tree
- New 2008 election tree
- Price: $299
- Includes a rotating stand
More info at
Bottom's-upside-down Christmas tree
- Light color: clear, light count 500
- Price: $229
- This artificial tree is upside-down; the star is in the tree stand
More info at
Flatback artificial tree
- Space-saving design that looks like a full tree but takes up half the space
- Designed for studios, small apartments
- Price: $339
More info at
The Fraser fir and Burlap Norway Spruce appeared on TODAY courtesy of Simonson Farms.