When decorating with real Christmas trees, expect four to six weeks of freshness with daily watering and proper placement away from heat. Real trees bring natural aroma but require timely setup in December to avoid needle drying. Artificial trees offer durability, allowing earlier decoration as they don't dry out or need maintenance. They support longer seasonal enjoyment and pacing your decor additions slowly. Both have unique benefits; choose based on lifestyle, desired ambiance, and how long you want your decorated tree to look fresh and vibrant.