any experiments took place to try and find an alternative - including a mix of lead and tin, which was too heavy and kept breaking. it was only in the mid 20th century that a viable alternative was found.
artificial trees were invented in the 1880's in a bid to try and stop some of the damage being caused to real trees due to people lopping the tip off large trees, thus preventing the trees from growing any further. it got so bad in germany that laws had to be brought in to prevent people having more than one tree.
prince albert, husband of queen victoria, is credited with being responsible for introducing the custom of the christmas tree to the british public by decorating the first english christmas tree at windsor castle in 1841 using candles, sweets, fruit and gingerbread.
the popularity of the christmas tree grew in britain during the first half of the 20th century, with trees becoming bigger and more elaborately decorated with bells, baubles and tins