New Shocking Poll Shows Mainers Prefer Fake Christmas Trees

But Maine is the 'Pine Tree State' for goodness sake!

The Portland Press Herald had shocking news from a University of New Hampshire survey. They polled 823 Mainers, and Mainers picked plastic over real. 37% said they are going with an artificial tree and 27% are putting up a real one. Real tree people dropped 8% this year. And those not putting up a tree is up to 28%.

READ MORE: Want a Real Christmas Tree? These 5 Maine Farms Have You Covered

Mainers are going for fake Christmas trees because of money

The poll showed that Mainers who make more money and have more education prefer real trees, and those between 35 and 40 years old are more likely to have an artificial tree. Many homes decided to forgo a Christmas tree altogether. Households with incomes below $45,000 and people over 65 were the least likely to have any Christmas tree.

Why do Mainers prefer an artificial Christmas tree?

I grew up with a fake tree, and I was excited when the big box came out and we had to put the colored branches in the right colored hole. But when I came to Maine, getting a real tree was a real treat. I used to go to parking lots and grab one of those when I first moved to Maine. But I have also gone to tree farms, tagged a tree, and actually cut it down. The experience is great, but it is not a cheap option. That's one reason Mainers are going fake for their Christmas trees. Other reasons include less mess, lasting longer, after for pets, not a threat of a fire, and are better for the environment. Whatever you choose, or don't choose - here's to a great holiday!