December, 2008
By Kimberly Cheng
KPSP Local 2 News

The Christmas season is officially upon us. For those who haven't picked out a tree, here are the pros and cons of a real tree versus a fake one. 

For some, it's a no brainer.  "This year, I stomped and screamed. I'm getting a real tree this year," said Melissa Merchant, of Murrieta, who stopped by the Cathedral City Christmas Tree Lot on Ramon Road.

Jimmy Ayala also picked out a tree on Thursday. He said getting a real tree is a tradition he won't break. "The smell (gives you) more of the Christmas spirit," Ayala said.

Rita DeMichiel, co-manager of the lot, says the most popular trees are the Douglas and Noble Firs. A standard six-foot tree costs from $50 to $60 dollars.

Artificial trees cost a bit more.  A 7' foot tree at Home Depot costs about $99 dollars. A manager there said it would last about 10 years.

Kenny Taylor was picking one up Thursday. "I'm mortified I'm buying a fake tree," he said. "(But real ones only last) two weeks."

"They're less of a fire hazard," Anthony Arce, Home Depot Manager said. "Needles are flame retardent."

If you want a real tree to last through the holidays, Peter DeMichiel, co-manager of the tree lot, says this weekend is a good time to buy. Trees should last about two to three weeks. "You can't guarantee (it'll last through the holidays) but it's getting pretty close (to Christmas)."

DeMichiel says keeping a trees water bowl full everyday will keep the tree fresh. Experts also say there's a home remedy that works. Drop one tablet of aspirin into the water bowl every week and your tree will stay fresh seven to ten days longer.