Robert Muldowney of North Waterboro stands among a selection of artificial holiday trees at Lowe’s on Wednesday. Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald

When it comes to Christmas trees, the Pine Tree State apparently prefers plastic imposters over the more verdant, fresh-smelling real trees, such as the balsam fir.

At least that’s what the University of New Hampshire’s Survey Center found in a recent online survey of 823 Mainers.

The poll also sheds new light on Mainers’ favorite holiday movies, expectations for a white Christmas and preferred holiday greeting.

The survey, conducted on Dec. 12 and 13, found that 72% of Maine residents were planning to put up some kind of Christmas tree this year, with 37% planning to use an artificial tree, and 35% planning to have either a real tree alone (27%) or both real and artificial trees (8%).

The poll found that Mainers with higher levels of income and education prefer real trees, while those aged 35 to 40 are more likely to have an artificial tree. Households with incomes below $45,000 and those over the age of 65 were least likely to have a tree.

A week before Christmas, a few people meandered through the rows of fragrant trees for sale Wednesday afternoon at Broadway Gardens Greenhouses in South Portland.

“I’ve never tried a fake tree,” said Jim Daly, 82, of Scarborough.

Daly said he prefers the look and smell of a real tree. Growing up, his family always had real trees, he said, so they remind him of his childhood Christmases.

“It’s more natural and it has a nice smell, it’s very traditional,” he said.

Based on the poll, nearly 3 out of 4 people who said they are sticking with real trees are doing so because of their appearance and smell. About half also said they want to support local growers and sellers.

Jim and Charlene Daly of Scarborough search for a natural Christmas tree Wednesday at Broadway Gardens in South Portland. Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald

Respondents who preferred fake trees said they did so for several reasons: They already have one, they make less of a mess, last longer and are better for the environment. Other fake tree fans cited concerns about fires or problems with pets.

Violet Mandrake, 21, who came to Broadway Gardens with her friend and his mom to shop for a real tree, said she actually prefers a fake one.

“I was always kind of sad about real trees because they are slowly dying right in front of you,” said Mandrake.

She said she also prefers fake trees because they’re more economical.

“My parents spent $100 one time and then reused it every year, whereas buying a real once costs about that much each year,” she said.

To keep the Christmas spirit alive, Mandrake said her family always lit a pine-scented candle to go with their fake tree to make the house smell like Christmas.

Alex Wight, 42, said the smell of the tree is part of what makes Christmas feel like Christmas.

“It evokes Christmas and joy and happiness,” she said.

But she admitted that dealing with a real tree can be a hassle.

“The dead pine needles all over your home is really annoying, and moving a tree out of your home can almost result in divorce proceedings, but it’s all worth it,” said Wight.

For Robert Muldowney, 38, it’s all about convenience. At Lowe’s in South Portland on Wednesday where he was buying a new water heater, he said he appreciates a real tree, but for him, the hassle isn’t worth it. He’s been using a fake tree for a decade.

“It’s just easier and more convenient and I don’t have to buy a new one every year,” he said.

Mark McGarity carries a Christmas tree for a customer on Wednesday at Broadway Gardens in South Portland. Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald

Twenty-eight percent of those surveyed didn’t plan to put up a tree – up from 23% last year. Their top reasons were because they live alone, aren’t in the holiday spirit or don’t have enough room.

Forty-one percent of those surveyed enjoyed the process of getting a real tree – whether it’s an epic quest to handsaw their own or picking up a precut tree from a local dealer.

When it comes to holiday movies, perhaps none better captures the trials and tribulations of selecting and cutting a tree (or digging one out of the ground with bare hands) than “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” The 1989 classic, starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, ranked as Mainers’ favorite Christmas movie – though it was tied with “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 12%.

Those films were followed by “A Christmas Carol,” “Elf,” “Home Alone” and “A Christmas Story.”

Mainers were upbeat about having a white Christmas, with 56% saying they expect snow while 26% said they weren’t sure. People in central and northern Maine were more optimistic in this regard at 68% and 56%, respectively. Only 43% of those in southern Maine expect a white Christmas.

About that whole “Merry Christmas” vs. “Happy Holidays” debate? Mainers prefer the former, with 66% indicating they like to say, “Merry Christmas.”

But nearly half (45%) didn’t really care what holiday expression they prefer to hear from a business, while 38% prefer “Merry Christmas” and 12% prefer “Happy Holidays.”

The poll had a margin of error of 3.4%.