Just put up a 10ft Noble tree (travelling on business for two weeks so wanted to get it sorted before I leave), cost $40.
A couple of years ago, we picked up a 13.5 ft tree. Look fantastic!
I also have a 6ft fake in the loft. Looks awful in comparison to a real one.
Fake. I would prefer real, however. It is true that a fake tree costs more, but you can reuse it every year. The real trees in my area are a bit on the expensive side ($50 to $75 for a good fir) in the Midwest?!... WTF. I got a real tree last year for $25 and it didn't even make it to past December 25th. If I could fine a good quality tree for <= $20, I would purchase it in a heartbeat.
How long do those who have a fake tree keep them/plan to reuse them till you get a new one?
The way my family sees it, it costs $200 - $300 for a fake one, which would mean it would take 20 - 30 years for the fake tree to pay off. Plus with a real you get the plus of it smelling good.
I got my fake tree, a Grand Fir (well sort of) Christmas tree for $90 back in 2002. I have used it every year since. On some years I mix in either a Balsam or Fraser as well. I have even been known to look at a pine or two. I will agree with you though that a fake tree is really lacking. There are generally not the most realistic and they have no smell. Worse, artificial scents have a canned smell.
A good 7.5ft grand fir for the foyer (that is a good width) will cost me easily $50 (if not $75). So based on this I could have spent $450 or $675. Instead, I usually get a smaller tree that is real (like a $10 table top or a smaller $25 Balsam) if I want smell.
How long do those who have a fake tree keep them/plan to reuse them till you get a new one?
The way my family sees it, it costs $200 - $300 for a fake one, which would mean it would take 20 - 30 years for the fake tree to pay off. Plus with a real you get the plus of it smelling good.