Has to be real, have to cut it down from the place it was planted originally, have to use a hand saw... That's how it was my entire life, whether it was a cedar out of the strip pit or Christmas tree farm. I have continued this tradition with my family as well. Makes for a great family day. The make tree size trash bags you hide under the stand and skirt now, when Christmas is over, pull ornaments off, leave lights on, pull bag up over tree and take outside. No mess or scratches . Pull your lights off in the yard and set it ablaze.