Why You Should NOT Buy A Real Christmas Tree In North Dakota

"Griswold, where are you going to put a tree that big?" "Bend over...I'll show you!"

I hate to spoil Christmas for fans of real Christmas trees, but I've got several reasons why you should think about going artificial this year.

Christmas will be here before you know it, and if you haven't put up your tree yet, the clock is officially ticking.

Let's face it, putting up all your holiday decorations for most people is quite the endeavor. Wait too long, and it almost seems like it's not even worth it.

Displays of artificial trees, pre-lit and beautiful, are in stores everywhere. This year I would strongly suggest you buy one.

Turns out there could be a little surprise if you bring home a real tree for the holiday this year. Bugs. And eggs. Hatching. Inside your home.

How many bugs?  A single-cut Christmas Tree can harbor up to 25,000 bugs, many of which are microscopic.

According to Penn State Extention, some common bugs include different kinds of spiders, mites, scales, and bark beetles.

You could also encounter Psocides, also known as bark lice or booklice, which are little winged insects that eat mold or fungi on trees. They do typically die quickly in most homes due to low humidity.

Praying Mantis egg sacks can sometimes be found in trees. Once inside your home, the eggs may hatch and turn into mini praying mantises. They also quickly die and may even eat each other.

Agricultural experts also warn of another Christmas Tree insect known as the spotted lanternfly.

It appeared in the United States for the first time less than 10 years ago. That was in Pennsylvania. But it has been recently spreading swiftly across the country.  Mostly in the Northeast for now. 

It's a tree-killing bug that goes after many dozens of kinds of trees and crops. This includes every major type of pine tree. They attach themselves to the bark of Christmas trees and begin laying eggs and multiplying.

Worse, they're incredibly hard to spot. So if you don't want these critters hatching in your living room it might be time to consider an artificial tree. YIKES. Spotted lanternflies are NOT in North Dakota yet. Let's hope it stays that way.

Other reasons why you should go artificial with your Christmas tree this year.

Also, did you know artificial trees are better for the environment? If you use a fake tree for more than 8 or 9 years it becomes more environmentally friendly than a real tree, according to Michigan State forester Bill Cook.

The fact that on average artificial trees are reused for 11 years makes the choice clear. Why friendlier? Because many real trees end up in landfills and since they decompose very slowly and create methane, a greenhouse gas, they have a significant carbon footprint.

Real Christmas trees if not watered properly can become a fire hazard.

Not to mention, artificial Christmas trees are just easier.

No constant worry about watering your tree daily. No needles everywhere that you keep finding through March. No tying it down to the roof of your car as your fingers go numb.

Artificial trees look so lifelike and come pre-lit that they often look more beautiful than a real tree.  (Sorry Clark Griswold)

It's an issue that can divide couples like the NDSU and UND debate, but take it from me, it's easier, it's prettier and in the long run, it's cheaper. Go artificial.  And, did I mention bugs?