Are Real or Fake Christmas Trees Better for the Environment?

Displaying and decorating evergreen trees is an age-old holiday tradition originating in the northern Europe to bring comfort and joy during the frigid dark of winter. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, over a hundred million households in America choose to put up a celebratory tree in their homes during the year-end holiday season. Between 25-30 million real, natural trees are sold each year, but artificial trees—factory made rather than earth grown—are becoming ever more popular. 

Approximately 75% of Americans who have a tree now have an artificial one. Some claim that purchasing an artificial tree is actually better for the environment than buying a new living tree each year, given enough time. But can this be true? In the long run, are fake Christmas trees more environmentally friendly than real ones?