It's not easy being green.

At least, that's the debate surrounding the staple of each winter holiday season.

The question of whether an artificial or a real tree is more environmentally friendly has become a popular subject on blogs and Web sites.

Arguments are made for both: An artificial tree can be used year after year, but a real tree avoids man-made materials like plastic and aluminum varieties.

Sarma Pisupati, associate professor of EGEE 101 (Energy and Environment), said although he isn't an expert on the subject, he thinks an artificial tree might be better because it is reusable.

"I think if we use it for a number of years, and it's not something that we dispose of by just using it once, that should be OK," Pisupati said.

He said that when his family decorates, they use an artificial tree that they have had for 10 years, and he doesn't expect to buy another one soon.

"I don't want to chop a tree down every year," he said.

One topic he is well informed about, though, is the lights that go on a Christmas tree.

He said LED, or light-emitting diode, tree lights are prevalent in the market and are a great option.

"I can confidently say those are the best lights," he said.

"They use very little energy, and they are very dutiful. They can produce 40 to 50 thousand hours of lighting."

But not everyone thinks artificial trees are best for the holidays.

Rick Bates, an associate professor of horticulture, said he has been asked the question many times and has come to the conclusion that using a live tree is more environmentally responsible.

"Generally, an artificial tree is factory-produced," he said. "It's going to be manufactured using petroleum products."

He said a lot of Christmas tree farmers are growing trees smaller, so that after the holiday season, the trees can be replanted in the family's yard.

John Tait, owner of Tait Farm Trees outside of Boalsburg, said he can understand why real trees could be environmentally friendly.

"There is the oxygen production, and the tree is recyclable," he said. "In the Centre region, most of them are recycled and made into mulch, so when that whole cycle works, then it's pretty environmentally friendly."

There are two different kinds of real trees -- cut and live. A cut tree is cut off at the trunk while a live tree has its roots dug up along with the tree.

Tait agreed with Bates and said some families like to replant their live Christmas trees in their back yard as long as they only keep the tree in the house for 10 days.

Besides the fragrance a real tree offers, Tait said it is the tradition behind selecting a real tree that makes the difference.

"It becomes a family tradition of going to the farm and cutting the tree," he said. "Getting a tree out of a box and putting it up ... it's not the same."