Artificial Christmas Trees Buying Guide

There are many joyful traditions during the Christmas season. If, for you, the joy of getting a fresh cut tree every year is outweighed by the annoyances of tying an unwieldy tree to your car in blustery weather, struggling to get it inside your house, pricking your fingers while trying to hold it steady and mount it straight, and then cleaning up needles for weeks, it may be time to start a new joyful tradition: that of the convenient, attractive, cost-efficient, and long-lasting artificial Christmas tree.

Artificial christmas trees have come a long way. There are upscale and well-made choices that mimic real trees amazingly well, and are even categorized by type of tree: Alaska Fir, Norway Spruce, Montana Pine, California Cedar, and many more. Then there are ones that are designed for a unique look, such as white, silver, black, or purple tinsel trees, upside down trees, spiral trees, and even metal sculpted trees. Artificial trees are available in heights to reach the top of cathedral ceilings, as well as in sizes ideal for decorative table-top centerpieces. Choices are available with or without lights, and pre-lit versions offer clear and multi-color light options.


Quality considerations span several areas: sturdiness of stand and structure, quality and density of both branches and lights, and ease of assembly, all of which will be covered in depth later. In general, stands and structures of metal are stronger and safer than lighter and easier to tip plastic versions. The quality of branches greatly affects the look of the tree, and is determined by both material and manufacturing. Lights should be UL rated for safety, include burn-out protection so that one light can go out without affecting the others, and shine brightly. For the nicest look, there should be an appropriate ratio of number of lights and branch tips to tree height. Trees made using hinged branch construction are easier to assemble each year than the less expensive hook-in branch versions.

Tree accessories include christmas ornaments, of course, as well as christmas tree skirts, power strip/surge protectors for lighting safety and longevity, lights if the tree does not include them, and tree storage bags or boxes that are dust and insect-proof for off-season protection. Stands are generally included with the trees.

High quality artificial trees are made to last for a decade or more, and often come with warranties to back that up. Warranties for the tree itself are usually longer than for the lights. In general, the one time expense of an artificial tree will cost far less than buying a real tree year after year.

One feature artificial trees don't include is the fresh cut scent, though people with tree allergies won't miss that at all. And for those that do, there are plug-in tree fragrance kits that just may do the trick.

The most important factor in determining tree size is the size of your room. Measure up to your ceilings and the floor space available for the tree. Consider how wide the tree could be without bumping or crowding furniture.

In general, your tree should be at least half a foot shorter than your ceiling height. In a room with a standard ceiling of 8 feet, a 7 or 7.5 foot tree would be ideal. Cathedral ceilings are much higher and you may want a taller tree to make the most of the space. Width, though also determined by your space, should be in proportion to the tree height as well. Some people like the look of slim trees, but many people prefer a traditional full tree. A good ratio for a full tree is generally a height of about twice the width. Achieving this ratio may mean giving up some height, but it could be worth it, depending on your taste.

In tight spaces, unique options, such as upside down trees, which require far less floor space, can be a good choice. Slim (also called pencil or slender) trees take up less floor space as well and are a good choice if you like their look. Table top trees are a small yet festive option.

With a vast range of choices available, there are artificial trees to meet most tastes and needs. Your key decisions will be size (as covered above,) pre-lit or not, and traditional vs. unique.

Pre-lit or Not?

You can choose between pre-lit trees and trees that do not come with lights. It is easier and more convenient to have the lights included, but they do add to the tree’s cost. Another point to consider is that the artificial tree itself will last longer than the lights; many warranties reflect this fact, with the tree guaranteed for 10 or more years and lights covered for about three. If you choose a pre-lit tree, your main options will be clear or multi-color lights. For many, the appeal of artificial trees is that they save time and are ready-to-go, making pre-lit trees the most popular choice and a desirable option.

Traditional/Realistic Appearance Traditional artificial trees are made to look like real trees; the higher the tree quality, the more it will succeed at looking natural. These trees usually have dense branches in a medium to dark green color. You'll be able to choose between options that mirror the appearance of numerous tree species, including Alaska Firs, Norway Spruces, Montana Pines, and many more. Heights vary from table-top up to 20 feet and more, with four and a half to 10 feet most common. They are available in slim to full shapes.

Unique Trees Unique trees defy classification. In the realm of unique looks, there are upside down trees, spiral trees, revolving and sparkling fiber optic trees, trees with metallic tinsel needles, sculpted metal trees, and more, in various color and size choices. Some people choose a unique tree in tight spaces, where a traditional full tree just won't work, or as a second decorative tree, perhaps to add a festive spirit to another room or table-top. These trees can be beautiful, vibrant choices that attract attention.

Other Features and Considerations Some trees include features such as pine cones or berries hanging from branches. Flocked and frosted trees offer a snow-touched look, though keep in mind that the white accents tend to yellow over time. Your taste in ornaments can affect your tree and light choice. If you have simple ornaments of consistent solid colors, multi-color lights can complement them well. If your ornaments are ornate or varied, the subtle backdrop of clear lights on a fairly conservative tree may be a better look. White trees are known for providing a great backdrop for darker colored ornaments. The heavier your ornaments are, the sturdier the tree branches need to be. Likewise, the more numerous your ornaments are, the more branches you'll need to support them.

Stands and center poles are available in metal or plastic. As a general rule, metal is sturdier, more durable, and safer, since it will be more secure against tipping. Especially in the case of a tall tree, a strong stand and pole is essential. Plastic is a less expensive option and may be acceptable for smaller trees. Always keep in mind that depending on your ornaments, the tree will become heavier and more in need of a sturdy base and support once decorated.

The construction of a traditional artificial tree will determine ease of assembly. There are two basic structure options for realistic-looking trees: hinged branches or hook-in construction.

Hinged Branch

Hinged construction trees, the more expensive options, are quicker and easier to assemble than hook-in ones. These trees usually come in two or three parts that need to be put together. Branches are permanently attached to the trunk pole with hinges. Just put together the sections, fluff out the branches, and your tree is done. If included, the lights also stay on permanently. Metal hinges are sturdier than plastic ones.

Hook-in Branch

With the hook-in variety, you will need to put each branch into a separate hook on the tree pole. Branches are usually color coded so that you will know where they go. Since each branch is attached individually, these trees take far longer to assemble, and are not available as pre-lit trees. However, these are cheaper to purchase.

Branches and needles have a great impact on the look of a tree. For a traditional realistic-looking tree, quality should be judged by carefully noting the appearance, including density, length, thickness, shape, color, and overall realism of needles and branches. The best trees will have longer, thicker, and sculpted needles and branches. Lower end trees have shorter and sparser needles, with branches cut off instead of sculpted.

Tip Count vs. Density

When shopping for trees, you'll fine that the tip count is often included in tree descriptions. More important than tip count is the density of branches and needles. For a traditional appearance, you should not be able to see through to the inside of the tree, and there should be enough outer branches to hang your ornaments. Needles should have a lush and thick appearance on the branches.

Material Choices

There are two main material choices for realistic-looking branches and needles: Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC,) the more common choice, or newer Poly Ethylene (PE). Either material, when high grade and manufactured well, is a good choice, though each will create a somewhat different look.

Lights on a pre-lit Christmas tree should be evaluated based on looks, longevity, and density. They should be high quality and durable, with quality outweighing quantity. Lights should be attached securely, UL rated for safety, include burn-out protection so that one light can go out without affecting the others, and shine brightly. The best milliamp ratings are greater than 170mA, since they will burn out less quickly than those with lower ratings. Lights generally do not last as long as the tree itself, which is why you will notice that a tree may have a 10 year warranty while the included lights are only guaranteed for three years.

There are non-traditional light options as well, including fiber optic and LED choices.


Light Count vs. Density

As with branches, density is a more significant quality factor than quantity alone. 80 to 100 lights per foot for a full tree is a high quality ratio. For a seven foot tree, 560 to 700 lights would be top of the line. A thinner tree may have less lights per foot. The best way to judge a pre-lit tree is to look at it and decide for yourself whether it is lit pleasingly.

Make sure you know what is included with your tree. Stands almost always are included, but you will probably want a decorative tree skirt to hide the structure. Storage bags, usually not included, are necessary to protect your investment from insects and dust during the off-season. If you are not buying a pre-lit tree, you probably will want to buy lights. A power strip/surge protector is always a good idea to protect the lights. And of course, don't forget your ornaments.

Prices depend on quality of material and construction, size, and whether the tree is pre-lit. Most high quality, pre-lit, floor size (six to nine feet) trees fall within $250 to $500; some, mostly on the lower height end, are available in the $100 to $250 range. Lower cost trees are available in smaller sizes or without lights.

Good Tidings
Barcana
Plow & Hearth
National Tree Company