Real Christmas trees can have 53 different types of mold
Dec 22, 2025, 6:07 PM | Updated: Dec 23, 2025, 9:45 am
The average Christmas tree houses 53 different types of mold.
Christmas Tree Syndrome might be making you sick. The study was prompted by an observed increase in respiratory illnesses around the Christmas holiday.
Upstate Medical University in New York says Christmas Tree Syndrome is caused by mold spores. Researchers analyzed clippings from 28 different Christmas trees and discovered 53 distinct species of mold.
Symptoms include allergies, asthma and other respiratory issues.
It results in coughing, wheezing, lethargy and insomnia. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pains, sinus congestion, itchy nose and shortness of breath.
Doctors say Christmas Tree Syndrome can be avoided by purchasing a fake tree. No need to worry about spiders or animals in your real tree, now you can worry about mold.
Yes, lets just all purchase fake trees with pine-smelling scents. Safer all the way around.
Read about the study here.
