Planning to put up a Christmas tree this year? So are a lot of other consumers.

Last year, 75% of U.S. households displayed a Christmas tree. That's according to the American Christmas Tree Association's 11th annual Christmas Tree NielsenIQ Survey, which also determined that 84% of Christmas trees were artificial, while 16% were farm-grown.

There are pros and cons to both live and faux trees. Here's a look at what to consider this season when choosing a Christmas tree:

*Live Tree

Interior designer Sarah Barnard, who is WELL AP and LEED AP certified and creates personalized, sustainable spaces, suggests looking for locally grown and farmed trees when possible.

"Local trees will have fared less travel, making them a more sustainable and usually fresher option over trees grown from far away," she says, noting rooted trees are gaining popularity and can be planted in the backyard or donated after the season ends to avoid waste.

The pros of buying a live tree include supporting tree growers, buying a natural product and being able to recycle the tree after the holiday. Still, live trees can be messy (the sticky sap!). They could also produce allergens, and not all trees are organic, so pesticides could've been used in the growing process.

When choosing a live tree, make sure it smells good. That means it's fresh. Test the branches by grabbing a few needles in your hands. If a lot of needles come out or it's brittle, the tree is too dry.

The National Christmas Tree Association says when a tree is cut, more than half its weight is water. They say it's essential to keep your tree hydrated and recommend using a traditional reservoir-type stand.

While you should remove a 1/2-inch-thick disk of wood from the trunk's base before putting the tree in the stand, don't whittle the sides of the trunk since the outer layers of wood are the most efficient in soaking up water. The National Christmas Tree Association also advises against cutting the trunk at an angle or drilling a hole in the base.

Check water levels daily, and display the tree away from heat sources, including fireplaces, heating vents and direct sunlight.

*Artificial Trees

Nowadays, artificial trees look more lifelike than ever before. According to Consumer Reports, that's because new fake trees have polyethylene, or PE, a thermoplastic that at certain heat levels becomes readily workable. The resulting PE needles are 3D, compared to the traditional polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, needles, which are thin strips wrapped around a wire. PVC needles loosen and fall off over time, making them a cheaper tree option. Consumer Reports says many trees these days are a mix of PE and PVC branches and that a tree with 45% or more PE will likely be affordable and lifelike.

The higher the tip count -- the number of needles on the tree -- the more realistic the tree will appear. Still, while a fuller tree looks nice, it's not always ideal for decorating since ornaments take up space.

Barnard advises considering longevity and endurance when choosing an artificial tree.

"While trees that come in vivid colors or snowy sparkles can liven up a holiday space, they may not always suit annual tastes or themes," she says. "To make the most of an imitation tree, selecting a neutral or natural-looking option will offer the most versatility from year to year and can be easily updated with ornamentation."

Fake trees can be an investment that can last a long time. The American Christmas Tree Association says an artificial Christmas tree can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. They say artificial trees cost about $104 on average, compared to $78 for live tree.

Artificial trees don't require watering or maintenance, and generally they're easy to set up, especially since modern trees are often pre-lit. Still, the majority of fake trees are manufactured overseas and have a significant carbon footprint. Since they're made of plastic, they can't be recycled.

*Tree Tips

When it comes to lighting your tree, Consumer Reports explains that LED lighting is the modern option that tends to be long-lasting and energy-efficient. In comparison, incandescent lights, which are often found on pre-lit trees, tend to have a shorter life span, require more maintenance and not be as energy efficient.

Make sure your tree is the right size for your home. If it's too tall, too short, too skinny or too wide, it could be awkward.

"To ensure the tree will be appropriately scaled to the home, bring a tape measure when shopping, and have an ideal size range in mind before selecting a tree," says Barnard.

Whether you choose a live tree or an artificial one, choose one that suits your budget, lifestyle and holiday traditions.