Artificial Christmas trees were typically made of PVC and metal, which did not break down quickly, she said.
Another negative for artificial trees: they are often shipped to New Zealand from overseas, increasing the carbon footprint of the product.
"I imagine that if fake trees were continuously re-used over a long time period the environmental impacts would be reduced," Miss Chappell said.
Christmas trees were usually planted especially for the purpose and was, therefore, a sustainable practice, she said.
Other positives factors were the trees provided habitat for wildlife, sequestered carbon, and could be recycled.
Lenie and Paul Priebe have been running the Papamoa Christmas Tree Farm for 19 years and believe real Christmas trees are becoming more popular.
And most people buying a real tree had the same motivation - the smell.
"It's the fragrance of a real tree. In the morning when you wake up and go into the lounge, there's your tree," Mrs Priebe said.
"That smell is so part of Christmas. They don't seem to mind the mess when it's died off."
Although customers don't pick up their trees until December 1 at the earliest, Mrs Priebe said she had noticed an increase in business.
"Particularly this year, we seem to be getting quite a few people, even at this early stage, who have never had a real tree, coming to get one."
Most people picked up their trees the two weekends before Christmas, but it was a myth that real trees could not last from as early as December 1.
The trick was "lots of water" - not sand or soil - and to add a disprin two or three times a week. Keep the tree in a shady spot away from direct sunlight.
And how much can you expect to pay for a real Christmas tree? The Papamoa Christmas Tree Farm has trees available price from $2 to $100, but says the average cost is $35-$45, which will get you "a beautiful six foot plus tree, nice and bushy".
Families make a tradition of choosing and collecting their Christmas tree, Mrs Priebe said.
"Some of them come with their kids and bring a picnic lunch to have amongst the trees, they love it. "Some people have a tradition of picking up on Christmas Eve."
But at the Christmas Heirloom Company, on Devonport Rd, Marilyn Hamlyn says the artificial Christmas tree is more in vogue than ever.
The biggest factor was that people could put their Christmas tree up earlier, she said.
"People want to get their trees up early December. If you have got kids, you are getting hassled all the time to put up the tree.
"They are allergy friendly, people who have asthma or hayfever want the artificial tree. They are becoming more popular."
And artificial Christmas trees were a lot more attractive than they used to be, with different styles available such as a silver-tipped American-style tree.
While traditional green was still the most popular, the shop also sells white trees and has taken inquiries about black trees.
The cost of artificial trees varies - a basic 6-foot green tree can be bought from The Warehouse for less than $70, while we spotted a deluxe 8-foot tree at Farmers for $699.
To tree or not to tree?
The case for real trees:
The smell - nothing says Christmas like the waft of pine needles in the house.
It's a fun family tradition to pick out a tree every year.
It's not more plastic in the house.
Nostalgia - it reminds you of the trees you had in childhood.
Environmentally friendly - experts say it's better for the environment than artificial trees.
The case for artificial trees:
You don't get the mess of real trees, as pine needles get all over the carpet.
You don't have the hassle of picking up the tree or disposing of it after the festive season.
They are allergy-free - many people get allergies or asthma from pine trees.
Cost - you pay once and don't have to fork out for a tree every year.
Longevity - artificial trees last longer and won't die
