Are artificial trees safe? Your questions answered

While manufacturing techniques and high-tech machinery have come a long way in recent years, the question remains the same: Are artificial trees safe?

In this article, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions around artificial tree safety with the help of our managing director and industry expert Alick Burnett, who has over a decade's worth of experience and knowledge around manufacturing artificial trees, including how they’re made, the materials used, UK safety requirements, and more.

• What are the pros & cons of artificial trees?
• Are artificial trees toxic?
• Are artificial trees better or worse
• Can you be allergic to artificial trees?
• Can artificial trees catch fire?
• Are outdoor artificial trees safer than indoor ones?
• Are artificial Christmas trees safer than real ones?
• FAQ’s

What are the pros & cons of artificial trees?

Both real and artificial trees have their pros and cons. 

Natural trees, for example, are well-suited to those who have a passion for plants, are knowledgeable about plant care and enjoy looking after them in their spare time.

But for many of us, we either lack the time needed to care for them or don’t have enough knowledge to keep them alive, which is where artificial trees come in handy.

Along with their ease of maintenance, choosing an artificial tree is more cost-effective in the long run as you won’t need to re-pot or fertilise it, and better yet, it will last you far longer.

The downside of artificial trees is the manufacturing cost to ship them around the world, however, it’s worth considering that many real plants, trees and flowers (particularly exotic ones) are grown elsewhere and also flown into UK stores.

Are artificial trees toxic?

Strict regulations are in place to ensure that artificial trees are safe.

Global regulations restrict the use of nasty chemicals like lead, cadmium, mercury and phthalates in the materials used to make artificial trees and plants. - Alick, artificial plant industry expert

While faux trees undergo chemical testing, some real plants are toxic. Certain poisonous houseplants can irritate when touched, but they can also pose a serious health risk when ingested by small children or pets, which in some cases can be fatal. 

Ingesting lilies, for example, can cause kidney failure, vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite in cats. For more info, see our full guide to common houseplants that are toxic to cats.

Are artificial trees better or worse for the environment?

Artificial trees, when taken care of, have a minimal effect on the environment. 

We encourage our customers to give their artificial trees to friends or donate them to charity and other good causes if they no longer want their plants, just like you would with clothes and furniture.

And, where possible, any damages are repaired by our team rather than discarded.

This way, artificial trees are used as long-life products that benefit and enrich people’s lives, rather than short-term, single-use products.

One day, we may have perfect plastics that break down in a trice. Until then, let's be smarter about how we use plastics and how we get rid of them when we've finished with them. - Chris Woodford, Science Writer.

In terms of manufacturing, like everything, there is the initial environmental cost to craft an artificial tree, ship it from the factory where it is made and deliver it to our customers.

But it’s worth looking at it from a broader perspective. Most people forget that real plants and flowers are grown at farms in various countries around the world and treated with chemicals before being flown to the UK.

Due to the nature of artificial trees and their long shelf life, they can be shipped by sea, which requires considerably less energy than by plane, according to shipping company Freightos.

CO2 emissions from ocean freight are minuscule compared with air freight. Even withstanding some concerns about measurement, ocean freight has a much smaller carbon footprint. - Freightos

Can you be allergic to artificial trees?

The short answer is yes. Artificial trees won’t affect hay fever, as there’s no pollen, but, while uncommon, it’s possible to be allergic to various plastics that are used to make artificial trees.

If you’re allergic to a specific material or plastic, please get in touch so we can verify whether or not our artificial trees are safe for you.

Can artificial trees catch fire?

Our range of fire-resistant artificial plants has been tested for fire safety, which means that the foliage is designed to resist flames - usually a requirement for businesses and commercial properties. 

It’s worth noting that, like anything, when exposed to constant and extreme heat, the foliage will eventually catch light and melt. 

Fire-rated plants are designed to resist flames better than standard plants and are either inherently flame-resistant or surface-treated. - Alick, artificial plant industry expert

For more info, check out our guide on what fire-rated artificial plants are and if they’re needed.

Are outdoor artificial trees safer than indoor ones?

Like anything that’s kept outside, outdoor artificial trees are typically safer than indoor trees, because there’s less risk of a house fire.

That doesn’t mean that indoor artificial trees are unsafe, as they also have to undergo rigorous testing during the manufacturing process. 

All of our artificial trees are tested to comply with global chemical regulations. - Alick, artificial plant industry expert

Artificial trees also undergo physical safety checks for sharp wires, corners and edges to ensure they don’t cause any harm, along with an eight-degree stability test. 

This test evaluates whether a product is properly weighted to remain stable at an angle. This involves using an 8-degree ramp, sitting the artificial tree upright on top and seeing whether it remains stable or topples over.

Are artificial Christmas trees safer than real ones?

Quality artificial Christmas trees have several safety benefits over real ones, along with the convenience of being able to store them away and re-use them each year.

Artificial trees contain fewer allergens than real trees, and often come with purpose-built bases for better stability, which reduces the risk of being pulled down by children and inquisitive pets!

What’s more, faux Christmas trees don’t drop needles like real ones and there’s no chance of dripping water over plug sockets.

The only benefit of choosing a real tree over an artificial one is that Christmassy pine smell🎄

FAQ’s

Is it safe to leave an artificial Christmas tree on all night?

It’s generally recommended to turn Christmas tree lights off overnight to avoid overheating, particularly if the lights are old or faulty. 

Consider using a timer to automatically switch off your lights if you’re unable to or in case you forget.

Is it bad to have an artificial tree next to a heater?

Artificial trees are designed to live indoors safely, however we recommend keeping them away from constant and extreme heat, like fireplaces or particularly hot heaters.

How long do artificial trees last?

Artificial trees are built to last for many years. That said, their lifespan can vary greatly depending on location, environment and weather.

Indoor artificial trees will likely last longer as they aren’t as exposed to sunlight. UV-stable outdoor artificial trees are designed to last for a minimum of one year, although they often last for far longer. 

Generally speaking, the more sunlight and harsh weather your plants receive, the shorter their lifespan will be. Other factors include whether or not you live by the coast and whether your faux trees are planted in the ground.

For help, check out our guide to protecting your artificial plants from extreme weather.