Since you asked. Not fond of artificial trees. Had one many yrs ago. Think we used one about 30 yrs ago when we had plans on visiting relatives on another state for Christmas.
Real trees are much lower cost than artificial and here in the PNW, trees of many varieties are redly available. Needles are not an issue after getting tree set up and can never recall sap being an issue. Usually have tree up on avg 3 weeks.
We got ours yesterday at a large Christmas tree farm, lot of those nearby. Got a Spruce this yr, our first one. Quite nice, full right to the top and decent shape. Spent the PM getting the tree decorated. Not bad if I do say so myself.