Fun Post (not): An Interesting Christmas Invader
By DB
@dgobucks226 (37621)
December 11, 2018 4:19pm CST
Do you enjoy having a real tree for Christmas? I did until I finally got tired of the hassle of searching for the perfect tree in frigid, and sometimes rainy or snowy weather. I'm sure it was just bad timing on my part, but after noticing a few other disadvantages to a real tree, I decided it was time to buy an artificial one (on sale) after the holidays.
I did feel bad breaking with my Christmas tradition, but after reading this online article perhaps it was a wise decision after all. At least if you reside where I do in the United States (New Jersey). It seems agricultural experts are warning about an egg laying insect known as the Spotted Lantern Fly. This insect has been spotted in Pennsylvania and continues to spread eastward into New Jersey counties.
The Spotted Lantern Fly is a tree-killing bug which attaches to the Christmas tree's bark, laying eggs and then multiplying. So if you prefer not finding some unwanted presents in your home this Christmas, it might be time to consider an artificial tree. Just a thought? 
What do you prefer an artificial or real tree? Any reasons for your preference?
Source- New Jersey 101.5
Photo- NJ.com
What do you prefer an artificial or real tree? Any reasons for your preference?
Source- New Jersey 101.5
Photo- NJ.com11 people like this
10 responses
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
13 Dec 18
I know exactly what you mean with those pine needles. I just put up my artificial tree and noticed pine needles under my baseboard that were 2 years old. And I though I had gotten it all.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382259)
• Rockingham, Australia
14 Dec 18
@dgobucks226 Sometimes they spin their webs all over the netting fences.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
16 Dec 18
@JudyEv I always find it creepy when I accidently walk head first into a spider's web, yuk!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
13 Dec 18
Wow! I would not like seeing that critter on my tree.... Thanks for supplying the evidence, lol.
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50970)
• Holiday, Florida
14 Dec 18
artificial is less clean up. real ones leave to much mess
1 person likes this
@DWDavis (25797)
• United States
11 Dec 18
For many years we had live trees that we cut on my cousin's Christmas Tree Farm. When he retired and let the farm go feral, we had to decide whether or not to buy real trees from a local lot or get an artificial tree. We decided to go the artificial route. Now that the boys are grown and out of the house, we have a small artificial tree for my wife and me and don't put up the big tree until one or both of the boys come home for the holiday.
1 person likes this
@DWDavis (25797)
• United States
13 Dec 18
@dgobucks226 We don't miss having the real tree as much as we miss going to my cousins to cut our own.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
13 Dec 18
Do you miss having a real tree? For me the process just became to much. Having to get one not to hit my ceiling, the increasing cost, and the mess afterwards.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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16 Dec 18
@DWDavis I can understand that. A nice Christmas tradition for sure. Choosing a personal tree at a farm.
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (22244)
• United States
21 Dec 18
My fiance lives in NJ and he would get a real tree when he is up there.. I hope I can talk him into getting a fake tree when he isn't here (NC) for Christmas. I have a little tabletop fake tree. Our family had one real tree when I was little.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
21 Dec 18
NJ is really big on real trees as I well know. I have gotten real trees for many years until last season when I bought an artificial one on sale. A great buy and it looks almost real except for that terrific tree smell. And after finding old pine needles along my baseboard from prior years I am convinced it was a good decision, lol.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
13 Dec 18
Here is the article
https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2018/10/christmas_tree_threat_invasive_bug_spotted_lantern.html
@RasmaSandra (98026)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
12 Dec 18
Another Christmas of memories for me. I am just having a little artificial table tree.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (69190)
• Centralia, Washington
11 Dec 18
That is an exotic, handsome bug. I admit it. I caved and bought a teeny fake tree this year. When we move to our new to us house I plan to get a real tree again. I like the feel of a real tree. I admit I hate the sadness of disposing of the body.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
13 Dec 18
Nothing like the smell of a real Christmas tree.
1 person likes this
