Battle of the Branches

Dec. 9, 2007 — -- Is that smell of fresh pine really worth a floor full of needles? It's an age old dilemma, but nowadays phony firs are in fashion.

Last year, 9.3 million artificial trees were sold in the United States. That's an increase of two million from just five years ago, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.

Some consumers have been buying the artificial alternative because they want to be "green." Despite their good intentions, real trees, particularly when recycled, are typically better for the environment. Many artificial trees contain the toxic chemical PVC and it's worth checking twice what the tree is made of before bringing it home.

Here are some of the pros and cons to consider when you're picking out a tree this season.

Plastic Pros

Dried-up trees cause almost 200 house fires every year, while artificial trees can be fire-resistant and allergen-free.

Artificial trees can be re-used or donated, even if they're not biodegradable.

Fake trees don't need maintenance, like constant watering when the dog keeps drinking up its water bowl.

Re-using a tree year after year can save money over buying a new one each season.

Natural Benefits

You just can't match the smell of freshly-cut pine.

Christmas tree farming provides an important carbon offset for the environment. More than 45 million trees were planted on farms in North America last year that will help absorb CO2 in the atmosphere.

Recycling a tree into compost can provide valuable fertilizer, mulch and erosion defense.

It's a Christmas classic. Even if those needles drive you crazy, it's all part of the holiday ritual.

For more on the debate on which type of tree is better for the environment, click here.