The Pine Tree State has no qualms about fake firs, according to poll results released Tuesday.
The Pine Tree State Poll by the University of New Hampshire found that 37 percent of Mainers plan to put up an artificial Christmas tree this year, as compared with 27 percent who favor a real one.
Both numbers are down slightly from last year, owing to growth in two other categories: those who are putting up both types of trees (8 percent), and those who don’t plan to have any tree (28 percent).
The majority of respondents who plan to use an artificial tree said it was because they already have one, followed by “less mess” and “lasts longer.”
Those who prefer real trees overwhelmingly said it’s because they like the smell. Other popular responses included wanting to support tree growers, liking a more natural tree, and liking the process.
The poll results are based on online surveys completed by 823 people between Dec. 12 and Dec. 16. The response rate was 36 percent, and UNH said the margin of error is plus or minus 3.4 percent.
