As a mom of two boys, Christmas is a time of magic, wonder, and—let’s be honest—controlled chaos in our household. But after years of experimenting with both real and artificial trees, I realized I wanted something that would combine the best of both worlds. Real greenery adds that nostalgic, pine-scented touch, while artificial trees are so convenient and practical.
So, I started asking myself: Can you mix real greenery with your artificial Christmas tree? Spoiler alert: Yes, you can, and it can be the perfect solution for a beautiful, festive, and even more eco-friendly Christmas.
Yes, you can mix real greenery with your artificial Christmas tree. This approach offers the best of both worlds: the authenticity of fresh greens and the convenience of a long-lasting artificial tree. It's budget-friendly, flexible for those with allergies, and adds a fresh, natural scent to your holiday decor. However, there are some considerations like maintenance and fire safety to keep in mind.
Why Blend Real Greenery With an Artificial Tree?
Combining real greenery with an artificial tree lets you enjoy the fresh look and scent of a real tree without the hassle or expense of buying an entirely live tree each year. It’s a fantastic option for those who might love the look and feel of real greenery but have chosen an artificial tree for its long-term convenience and durability. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to refresh your tree’s appearance annually without starting from scratch.
This blend also works for those who struggle with allergies triggered by live trees, as using only a few real branches can minimize allergic reactions. By blending fresh garlands or greenery into your artificial tree, you can create a look that feels organic and unique, without committing to a full real tree.
Pros and Cons of Mixing Real Greenery With Artificial Trees
Blending real greenery into your artificial tree offers a lot of benefits, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before diving in.
Pros
- Realistic Look and Fresh Scent: Adding real greenery enhances the authenticity of your artificial tree, giving it a fresh, vibrant feel.
- Eco-Friendly: Reusing your artificial tree year after year while incorporating natural elements like greenery is a more sustainable option compared to buying a new tree annually.
- Customizable and Budget-Friendly: Real greenery can be sourced from your garden or a nearby market, allowing you to refresh your tree’s appearance each year without breaking the bank.
Cons
- Maintenance: Real greenery requires more attention, such as misting to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
- Safety Concerns: Dried-out greenery can pose a fire risk, especially if placed near lights or heat sources.
- Limited Lifespan: Unlike your artificial tree, real greenery only lasts a few weeks and will need to be replaced each holiday season.
Best Types of Real Greenery to Use
When blending real greenery with your artificial tree, you’re not limited to just tree branches. There’s a wide variety of greenery options that can bring texture, color, and fragrance to your tree without having to cut down an entire tree.
Pine
A holiday classic, pine is an excellent choice for adding volume and that quintessential Christmas tree scent. It can easily be woven through the branches of an artificial tree for a natural, layered look.
Cedar
Cedar offers soft, feathery branches that are easy to work with. They also provide a rich aroma that can elevate the holiday vibe in your home.
Holly and Ivy
These add pops of color and a traditional Christmas touch with their bright red berries and glossy green leaves. Holly and ivy are perfect for accenting your artificial tree.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus gives a modern, fresh twist to holiday decor. Its muted green hue pairs beautifully with both minimalist and traditional Christmas themes. Plus, the fragrance is gentle and calming.
Magnolia Leaves
Magnolia leaves are sturdy, durable, and have a glossy green appearance with a soft brown underside. They bring a unique texture and color contrast to your tree.
Boxwood Shrubs
Boxwood is a dense, lush greenery option that can be clipped and tucked into your tree for added fullness. Its small, thick leaves provide a different texture compared to typical Christmas greenery.
Fern or Ivy Vines
If you want a softer, flowing effect, consider using ferns or ivy vines. These delicate plants drape beautifully across artificial branches, adding movement and a whimsical touch.
Rosemary
For a more aromatic addition, rosemary sprigs can be tucked into the branches. Not only do they offer a fresh scent, but they also bring a lovely deep green color and can later be used for cooking!
How to Safely Add Real Greenery to Your Artificial Tree
While mixing real and artificial elements can make for a stunning display, you’ll want to make sure you’re doing it safely. Here are a few tips:
Misting Regularly
Real greenery will last longer if you mist it regularly to keep it hydrated. This helps prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard, especially if you plan to string lights on your tree.
Avoid Overloading Lights
Keep your greenery away from lights to reduce the risk of overheating or drying out. If you’re using real foliage, make sure you’re careful about how much you’re stringing up in close proximity to heat sources.
Select Fresh Greenery
When sourcing greenery, opt for fresher clippings or varieties like cedar, which hold moisture longer. This not only ensures your tree looks fresh longer, but it also makes it safer to use indoors.
Creative Ideas for Blending Real and Artificial Greenery
Now that you know the benefits and how to safely incorporate real greenery, let’s dive into some creative ways to blend these two elements:
Natural Garland
Weave fresh pine garlands throughout your tree to add extra texture and a festive scent. It’s an easy way to get that real-tree look, even with an artificial albeit beautifully decorated Christmas tree base.
Real Greenery Wreaths
Add wreaths made of real greenery to the base or even as ornaments on your tree. This is a fun, rustic way to incorporate fresh greenery without overwhelming the tree itself.
Fresh Sprigs as Ornaments
Tuck sprigs of eucalyptus, holly, or pine into your artificial tree branches. This simple trick elevates the look and adds natural touches without too much effort.
Greenery-Lined Mantel and Base
To tie everything together, use real greenery to line your mantel or the base of your tree. This creates a cohesive, natural look throughout your holiday decor.
The Best Artificial Tree to Mix With Real Greenery
When blending real greenery with your artificial Christmas tree, choosing the right artificial tree matters. At Holiday Celebration Trees, our platform trees provide the perfect foundation for blending real greenery with your artificial tree. Unlike traditional artificial trees that may look “one-note,” our trees are versatile and can be styled differently each year by adding new natural elements, fresh garlands, or real foliage.
Made from high-quality materials, our platform trees are designed to last for years. With the equivalent of 1,100 recycled plastic bottles used in each tree’s construction, you can enjoy a beautiful, eco-friendly option that complements your use of natural greenery. Whether you go with the snow-frosted white tree or our green version with berries, adding real greenery makes it even more magical.
Check out our platform Christmas tree here.
FAQs
Is it safe to mix real greenery with an artificial Christmas tree?
Yes, just ensure you mist the real greenery regularly to keep it from drying out and posing a fire hazard. Keep greenery away from lights and heat sources.
What type of greenery works best for blending with artificial trees?
Pine, cedar, holly, and eucalyptus are great choices for their texture, fragrance, and ability to complement artificial branches.
Can I reuse real greenery the following year?
Unfortunately, no. Real greenery lasts only a few weeks and needs to be replaced each holiday season.
Are real Christmas trees more eco-friendly than artificial trees?
Not necessarily. If you reuse an artificial tree for many years and supplement it with natural greenery, it can actually be more sustainable.
What are some creative ways to use greenery around my tree?
Consider using natural garlands, fresh sprigs as ornaments, or lining your mantel with greenery to create a cohesive look.
Closing Thoughts
Blending real greenery with your artificial Christmas tree is a fantastic way to add a touch of freshness and sustainability to your holiday decor. By incorporating real elements, you get the best of both worlds—a long-lasting tree that you can style uniquely each year. If you’re looking for a durable, eco-friendly tree that’s perfect for pairing with fresh greenery, check out our platform Christmas trees. They offer a high-quality canvas for endless creative possibilities. Explore our collection and start decorating sustainably this season.
