Euronews.green writes that two of the main factors people should take into account when buying their next tree is the vendor that sells the trees, as well as what's going to happen to the real ones after the holiday season passes.

If we're talking about the environmental footprint, a real pine tree is obviously better for the planet, if you replace it every year. If, however, you are committed to using it long-term, then investing in a quality plastic-made version might be better. Experts at The Carbon Trust suggest that you should spread the use across at least 7 years to 20 at most for the production footprint to become neutral.

Friends of the Earth tree campaigner, Emi Murphy advises people to keep using the fake trees they might have for as long as possible, "but look into more environmentally-sound options when it eventually comes to replacing it", she adds.

How to buy the perfect natural Christmas tree

If, however, you prefer the feel and smell of a real pine tree, that's fine. Just make sure that you pick FSC-certified ones, since this will basically give you peace of mind that the tree was grown in a responsible way. Also, try to buy locally-grown models, as well, since these have a lower overall carbon footprint associated with them, while commercial tree producers from Germany and Denmark sell theirs across the whole of Europe.

In January, you definitely should try to recycle your tree, instead of throwing it on the side of the road, from where it's probably going to end up in a landfill.

There are companies and even local authorities that can take care of your natural pine tree once the jolly season is over, but you have to make sure to let them know of your intention or to bring the tree to them yourself.

Do you want a piece of advice? Why don't you look into renting a Christmas tree? Yes, Christmas tree-as-a-service is becoming increasingly popular, and companies such as London Christmas Tree Rental (LCTR) are already tapping into this market.

The company's co-founder, Catherine Loveless, says that "it just felt so wasteful for these beautiful trees to grow just for the sake of three weeks of our pleasure."

Thus, instead of selling pine trees to consumers, LCTR just rents them for the holidays, only to pick it up from your home in January, at a date agreed upon by both the customer and the company.

Officials say that returned trees are taken back to the farm where they were grown and looked after for another year. Also, if you name your tree, there is a chance you can rent the same one in the future.

"It will have grown, changed shape slightly over the year and we love the idea of being excited to welcome it into your home like a long-lost friend", Loveless added.

The impact of discarded Christmas trees on the environment

Real pine trees that reach landfills and decompose there without being recycled can be a huge environmental issue. Not only do they release the CO2 they captured, but they also spread methane, a greenhouse gas that can be up to 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide.

The Carbon Trust says that burning or chipping a real pine tree is a better, yet not desirable, solution, as it reduces the CO2 footprint by 80% to 3.5 kilograms of CO2.

While plastic-made trees can't be recycled, which is probably their biggest drawback, they can be donated or repurposed, which may still help with extending their lifespan and prevent them from reaching landfills, where they are definitely going to cause more harm than good.