Is it more sustainable to buy a natural tree every year from a local store, or pick up an artificial one that requires very little maintenance and can be used over and over? The answer lies in the specific tree you opt for. Producing and shipping fake trees across the world causes emissions, but so do the pesticides used to grow real Christmas trees. And although some Christmas trees are grown locally and sustainably, a fake tree used for years will ultimately be the more environmentally friendly option. Or perhaps, no tree at all.