Crash! It was about 3am, and I sat upright in bed after being jolted awake. I knew immediately what had happened. Our nine-foot, real Fraser fir Christmas tree fell over in a huge, dramatic cacophony of the tree hitting the floor and ornament smashing. What I did not know but would find out later was that our new cat was the culprit.

This was the last Christmas season we had a live tree. Not because of the cat or the crash, but because I was so tired of the mess a real tree made! And since the fateful crashing tree night, we never looked back.

Whether it’s the first year considering an artificial tree, or there’s already one in the home and another is desired, this guide is here to help.

With decades of experience using five full-size artificial trees, two tabletop trees, and countless smaller ones, along with extensive research, this guide will assist in choosing the perfect artificial tree for any home. It’s a comprehensive go-to guide!

Here are some important things to know before buying an artificial tree…

Why Choose An Artificial Tree

There are several wonderful benefits to having an artificial Christmas tree!

As the centerpiece of Christmas décor, finding the perfect tree for the home is a worthwhile quest!

Economical

Let’s explore the three biggest benefits of choosing an artificial tree.

Firstly, although an artificial tree can be significantly more expensive upfront compared to a real one, it can be more economical over time. With proper care and annual use, an artificial tree often proves to be a better investment than buying a new real tree each year.

The price range for artificial trees varies widely. Generally, more expensive trees feature highly realistic branches and needles that are almost indistinguishable from real ones. Some models even come with self-storing containers and additional features.

However, a more affordable tree can also be a great option! Advances in technology are driving down prices, and many budget-friendly trees still look quite realistic.

Little Or No Mess

A real Christmas tree can be quite messy. Needles fall and need to be vacuumed up regularly, there’s the ongoing task of watering the tree and dealing with the often unpleasant-smelling water, and after Christmas, disposing of the tree can be cumbersome. This aspect of real trees can detract from the holiday cheer.

In contrast, an artificial tree is much less messy. After setting it up and cleaning up any loose needles or flocking, it remains virtually mess-free!

Allergy Free

An artificial Christmas tree is an excellent choice for those with sensitivities or allergies to evergreens.

Previously, severe bronchitis during the Christmas season was a recurring issue, but switching to an artificial tree eliminated these problems, leading to a much healthier holiday season.

Other Benefits

Several additional advantages are worth noting:

• Overall Convenience
• Disposal
• Many artificial trees use fire-retardant materials
• Customizable tree appearance
• Able to support heavier ornaments without branch bending
• Adjustable branches for better decoration
• Ease of online shopping

The Drawback

Despite the many benefits of artificial trees, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While they are easy to set up and take down, proper storage is essential to maximize their lifespan. They should be kept in cool, dry areas.

For storage, covering the tree with a sheet and placing it in a dry, cool basement is an effective method.

One thing that may be missed with an artificial tree is the authentic evergreen scent. Using Christmas essential oil scents that mimic the smell of real evergreens can help recreate that aroma in the home.

Overall, the advantages of an artificial tree outweigh the absence of a real Christmas tree scent. Despite these minor inconveniences, artificial trees are a cherished part of the holiday season.

Looking For Realistic Trees

Some artificial trees are so convincingly realistic that only the lack of a natural scent reveals their true nature! They are that lifelike!

A key factor in achieving this realistic appearance is the look and feel of the tree’s needles.

Artificial trees feature two main types of needle foliage, both made from plastic. The distinction lies in their manufacturing process. One type is PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), and the more recent type is PE (Polyethylene). Understanding the difference between PVC and PE needles can help in selecting a tree with the most authentic appearance.

PVE Needles

PVC needles are created from colored sheets of plastic that are cut into needle shapes. This provides a realistic appearance from a distance, but they can look somewhat “fake” up close due to their somewhat flat and two-dimensional nature.

PVC needles have been a standard in artificial Christmas trees for many years. Early artificial trees, garlands, and wreaths often featured PVC needles. These older decorations are sometimes referred to as “old ratty greens.”

PE Needles

PE needles are also made from plastic, but the plastic is molded using a real branch end as a template. This process produces a 3D, more realistic-looking needle with the texture and feel of real evergreen needles.

Trees with PE needles offer the most lifelike appearance.

The Best Trees

The most realistic artificial trees currently available combine both PVC and PE needles. Since trees made entirely of PE needles are often quite expensive, look for trees with PVC needles in the center and PE needles and branches on the outer part of the tree for the best balance of realism and cost.

What Size Tree Is Best For Me?

Choosing the right size tree is crucial for ensuring it looks its best and fits well in the room.

This lesson was clearly learned during our first Christmas. As newlyweds, we cut down a real tree from a large field, but once we brought it home, we faced our first challenge: getting it through the door. The tree was so large that it took up nearly half of the living room and was far too tall. We ended up cutting a significant portion off the bottom, relocating the furniture to the dining room, and placing the tree there. It took up most of the dining room, forcing us to have Christmas dinner in the kitchen that year!

The trees appeared much smaller in the field among the others.

While our first Christmas tree remains a memorable story, it taught us an important lesson about selecting a tree that is appropriately sized for the room. The key is scale. To ensure the Christmas tree is both beautiful and fits comfortably in your space, choose a tree that suits your room’s dimensions.

Think of Goldilocks when selecting a tree: you don’t want one that is too large or too small—just the right size!

When measuring an artificial Christmas tree, measure from the tip of the tallest branch down the trunk to the base of the tree, including the stand.

Standard Tree Sizes

Choosing the right size artificial Christmas tree is crucial for ensuring it fits well and looks attractive in your space.

When selecting an artificial tree, consider your ceiling height. It’s advisable to add 6-12 inches to the tree’s height to account for the tree topper.

Tabletop trees are ideal for smaller spaces or additional rooms like bedrooms and sunrooms. They offer a festive touch without overwhelming the space.

Tree Shapes

Once the height of the tree is determined, it’s important to consider its width. The tree should fit comfortably in the room, allowing a few inches of space from the wall and proximity to an electrical outlet.

Artificial trees come in various widths. Typically, full and medium-sized trees measure between five and six feet wide at their widest point. Slim trees are suitable for tight spaces, while flat-back trees, which are essentially cut in half, are perfect for rooms where space is limited. It’s also important to measure tabletop trees to ensure they are well-proportioned for the table or surface they will be placed on.

Tree Varieties

Artificial Christmas trees generally fall into three categories: Spruce, Fir, and Pine.

All three types are beautiful and evergreen, but they differ in needle structure. Spruce and Fir needles grow individually from the branches and are typically short and stiff. Pine needles, on the other hand, grow in clusters attached to the branches and are usually long and soft.

Fraser Firs are currently the most popular choice for artificial trees.

Artificial evergreen trees come in a variety of colors, including shades of green, blue/green, bright green, and even white. Designer colors are also available. Choosing a tree color that complements the room can be a fun way to enhance your décor.

The market offers numerous options, from traditional green trees to tinsel trees, flocked trees, and even fiber optic trees. There are many choices to suit any preference.

Flocked Trees

Flocked trees, which have a snowy appearance, are a popular choice for their aesthetic appeal.

Reasons to choose a flocked tree include:

• Its striking beauty
• The attractive snowy look
• The flocking adds a decorative touch

Flocked trees often appear ethereal when lit, with snow-covered branches enhancing their charm. When considering a flocked tree, keep in mind:

• The degree of flocking varies; select the level of snow coverage that fits your taste and décor.
• Setting up, decorating, and taking down a flocked tree can create some mess, though this is common with any tree.
• Store flocked trees in a cool, dry place.
• Opt for a pre-lit flocked tree to avoid the challenge of stringing lights yourself.
• Frosted trees, which have an icy appearance with tiny crystals, are another option to consider.

Lights For Artificial Trees

Artificial trees come in two types: unlit and pre-lit. Pre-lit trees offer several advantages, such as eliminating the need to string lights yourself and providing even light distribution throughout the tree.

However, pre-lit trees can have downsides. The lights may suddenly stop working, and troubleshooting the issue can be time-consuming and frustrating. Additionally, the warranty on the lights may not always match the warranty of the tree itself.

Despite these potential issues, pre-lit trees are generally reliable. If a string of lights fails, it is often due to a missing bulb.

This guide aims to help in selecting the perfect tree for your home. Take your time, invest in the best and most realistic tree within your budget, and enjoy the beauty of your Christmas tree and the holiday season!