GEN Z and Millennials are fuelling the popularity of real Christmas trees, a study has found.
A study of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas found younger adults are more likely to choose a real fir tree than their parents’ generations.
Almost a quarter (22 per cent) of Gen Z and 18 per cent of Millennials are lured by likes of the smell and excitement of going out to choose their shrub.
In comparison, typically 14 per cent of Gen X choose a real tree, and just 11 per cent of Baby Boomers will do the same.
Instead, 65 per cent of the older generations choose to rely on the trusty artificial tree.
It also emerged 31 per cent of all adults typically put up two or more trees in their homes.
The research was commissioned by B&Q, which marked the delivery of its live trees to UK stores by giving a fleet of its lorries the festive treatment and renaming them after Santa’s nine reindeer.
The brand’s head of Christmas, Mairi Devlin, said: “It’s been interesting to see the generational split emerging when it comes to their tree choice in the lead up to the big day.
“For many, choosing your tree marks the start of the festive season and brings the magic of Christmas to life.
“And it looks as though many also go for more than one tree – with lots seemingly opting for a mix of real and artificial.”
Regardless of the type of tree they go for, two thirds decorate their tree the same way each year, with the traditional red and green look most popular.
Classic multicolour themes, gold and silver, and white winter wonderland looks are also popular.
The study, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed 17 per cent have already decorated their homes before the end of November, with 45 per cent planning do so this weekend.
While nearly one in 10 (eight per cent) will wait until the week before the big day.
Following the study, B&Q is giving people the chance to win a Christmas tree by spotting one of its reindeer-clad lorries, taking a picture and posting it to Instagram using #Reindeerlivery.
Mairi Devlin added: “We hope to deliver some festive cheer by giving away 100 Christmas trees.”
