Maya Czerminska helps Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall decorate a Christmas Tree during a reception at Clarence House hosted by the Duchess of Cornwall, for youngsters and their carers from Helen and Douglas House on December 11, 2013 in London, England.

Life-cycle analysis has become all the rage within the environmental science community, particularly with regard to energy issues like the methane emissions footprint of natural gas development and the full range of environmental impacts associated with corn ethanol production.

Leave it to the folks at Save on Energy to approach Christmas trees with the same analytical bent. Is it easier on the environment to purchase an artificial tree that can last for decades, or a real tree that smells beautiful but will only grace your presents (sorry) for a few weeks? Check out this festive infograhic to find out:

Created by SaveOnEnergy.com

The infographic can be viewed in its native environment here.