Fresh vs Artificial Christmas Wreaths: Which One is Right for You?

There is always this one house that goes all out for Christmas, complete with inflatable Santas and a litter of Christmas garden gnomes. Then there’s the barren house that Ebenezer Scrooge might have lived in, devoid of lights, silver tinsel, or holiday trinkets. 

No matter which end of the holiday spectrum you fall into, there’s always ways to freshen up your home. Christmas wreaths fall into that elegant, neutral territory – they’re not as garish as garden gnomes, yet they still add a classic Christmas touch to the house. 

Your initial instinct is to probably reach for a fresh wreath, and you’re not wrong, while your wallet might suggest that the artificial one is a wiser choice. Here’s a closer look to help you make the best decision for your home and holiday traditions.

Advantages of Fresh Wreaths

People who tend to dress their homes in holiday cheer cling to the emotional and sentimental aspects of tradition and togetherness brought about by the holiday season. With their trademark piney scent, fresh wreaths provide a pretty phenomenal authenticity that can’t be matched by ersatz copies. 

• Authentic: The timeless appeal of fresh wreaths boils down to an old-fashioned sense of nostalgia, conjuring a bygone landscape of glittering fairytale lights and pale virgin snow dusting the chimneys. For them, the ‘realness’ of the wreath and the joy of decorating it make it worthwhile, so if you’re somebody who values experiences, then a real Christmas wreath might be for you. 

• Sustainable and Biodegradable: Artificial wreaths, which are made from plastics and other petroleum-based products, often end up languishing indefinitely in landfills. Many fresh wreaths are made with sustainable materials that can be composed once the season ends. Be sure to separate non-recyclable decorations like bows and toss in trash. 

• Fresh scent: You are probably well acquainted with the medley of smells that fills the air in the Christmas aisle – an overblown mixture of cinnamon, cloves, fir, and winterberry. Those are mostly artificial scents that, depending on the vagaries of the wind, can either annoy or briefly please. Fresh wreaths, on the contrary, are the quintessential smell of Christmas, offering a rustic, earthy scent that settles around the house. 

• Support biodiversity: When sourced responsibly from farms that trim branches, fresh Christmas wreaths are a surprising nudge towards biodiversity. Trimmed branches promote tree growth, in turn promoting a greener earth. 

Fresh Wreaths Cons: 

• Has a short lifespan of only 3 – 8 weeks, even with proper care and misting 

• Will require ongoing maintenance, including misting and avoiding heat sources 

• Can be costly and will need to be replaced annually 

Tips for Choosing a Sustainable Wreath for Christmas and Holidays

Christmas is no longer about cramming as much glitter into a room, as more people turn to eco-conscious means and eschew routes of indulgent excess. Some artificial wreaths are eco-friendly, if they are made from recycled materials and avoid using harmful chemicals. 

• Choose Timeless Designs: Some wreaths are chock full of glitter, laden with a plethora of shimmering ornaments. When done well, this can achieve an admirable effect, but at times, it can appear ersatz. Offending visuals include overly frosted branches, stiff needles, or a hive of lights. Therefore, it’s best to choose a design that emphasizes natural aesthetics.  

• Consider Add-ons: Simple pine garlands, designed to be wrapped around a staircase or mantel, are beautiful compliments to wreaths and Christmas trees. They are also easily customizable, allowing you to add pinecones, berries, and other natural elements. 

• Look for Natural Materials: Christmas isn’t just about glitter and lights. Wreaths made from natural materials are a rustic homage to the essence of environmentalism. Some wreaths are affixed with the usual twigs and pinecones, while others incorporate more novel options, including dried fruit like pineapples, cinnamon, dried apples, and even limes. 

Pros and Cons of an Artificial Wreath

Artificial Christmas trees and wreaths continue to dominate the holiday landscape, with an estimated 80% of Americans decorating their homes with artificial products. Artificial wreaths have an obvious advantage: they are cheaper and are less of a hassle, especially if you’re someone who simply hangs a wreath and doesn’t concern themselves with overflowing holiday cheer.   

While evaluating the merit of a real wreath versus a fake one, however, it turns out that artificial ones may not be as environmentally friendly as they seem. The most glaring issue is that fake wreaths are doomed to end up in landfills, where they can take centuries to decompose, releasing toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. 

Artificial Wreaths Pros: 

• More affordable in the long-term 

• Reusable for years 

• Low maintenance 

• Advances have made them highly realistic in appearance 

Artificial Wreaths Cons: 

• May contain harmful chemicals including metal and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – long targeted for its dangerous manufacturing process, which produces carcinogens associated with cancer 

• Majority are made from China, involving long-distance shipping that contribute to substantial carbon emissions and fuel pollution 

• Can appear tacky or garish, an ersatz imitation; lack the warmth of real greenery 

• Languishes in landfills for centuries