The choice between a real tree or an artificial tree is just one of many decision holiday shoppers have to make.

For those looking for an artificial tree, the search can begin at a local retailer such as Wal-Mart, 2300 Sycamore Road.

“We let the charity organizations make money off of the natural trees,” said Janet May, department manager for seasonal merchandise. “This store alone sells probably three semitrailers full of nothing but artificial trees.”

May said the least expensive artificial trees could be found at Wal-Mart.

“Ours are always cheaper; that is our claim to fame. If our competitors are selling it for less, we’ll cut our prices,” May said.

For those customers looking for real trees, home improvement stores are a better option.

Brian Lapta, store manager at Lowe’s, 2050 Sycamore Road, said his store has the best selection with a variety of trees and prices to meet anyone’s needs. The store also has a knowledgeable staff to help customers find the right tree, Lapta sad.

Unlike Wal-Mart, Lowe’s sells live trees, Lapta said.

DeKalb Fire Chief Lanny Russell said he thinks the right choice in the Christmas tree debate is an artificial tree.

“I wouldn’t have a live Christmas tree for anything. I haven’t had one for years because of safety,” Russell said.

Live Christmas trees can be dangerous, and it’s important to use common sense when using them, Russell said. Trees need to be kept well-hydrated to ensure the lights pose a lesser fire hazard. Trees also need to be kept away from any flames, he said.

Some Illinois fire departments, including DeKalb’s, have taken part in the Red Wreath campaign. Wreaths are decorated with red light bulbs, but are replaced with white bulbs if there is a Christmas-related fire. The campaign’s goal is to keep the red bulbs for the entire Christmas season.

“We hope to keep our wreath red,” Russell said.

The Arbor Day Foundation disagrees. It advocates real Christmas trees because most tree farms replace every tree that is cut down with two more trees, said Gary Brienzo, spokesman for the foundation. Many tree farms are grown on land that would be unsuitable for other crops. The business introduces new trees, which is good, Brienzo said.

“Artificial trees are made through an industrial process. They’re not organic, they don’t biodegrade, they go into landfills – you question that process and the pollution,” Brienzo said.

Young trees, however, go through a burst of growth where they produce a lot of oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, which is good for the environment, he said.

Many communities collect live Christmas trees and use them to shore up river banks, provide habitats for animals and be made into mulch for trails.

Bryan Faivre, a part-owner of Camelot Tree Farm, 16380 S. Somonauk Road, has been selling “choose-and-cut trees” since 1994. Many people come to his tree farm because of the experience. All trees on the farm sell for a flat rate of $30.

“People should come for the experience. The kids get excited; you can bring out the family. We have hot chocolate and cookies. It’s all about the experience,” Faivre said.