The holidays are almost here. If you're still looking for a live Christmas tree, we have some bad news: Supply is down, so prices are up. Because of this, an artificial Christmas tree might be a better option this year.
However, shopping for an artificial tree isn't the same as shopping for a live tree. There are a few key considerations you'll need to keep in mind to find that perfect fit for your home or apartment.
Beth Allen, BestReviews home improvement expert and founder of HIP Chicks (Home Improvement Project Chicks), is a pro when it comes to knowing how to shop for the best artificial Christmas tree. We asked her how to choose the perfect one.
"The first step you need to perform when choosing an artificial Christmas tree is determining the space you have available," Allen said. "How much height do you have available? Remember, you need at least a foot or a foot and a half of clearance above the tree to put on the Christmas tree topper. If not, you'll be scratching up your ceiling. The other thing you have to consider is girth, especially around the lower portion of the tree. If you live in an apartment or you don't have a lot of space, opt for a pencil Christmas tree."
"It's important to come up with a budget before you start shopping," Allen advised. "It's too easy to fall in love with something and spend far more than you wanted if you don't set some initial limits. For instance, the other day, I saw a beautiful artificial Christmas tree. It was 10 feet tall, which was a little bigger than I wanted, but it was otherwise perfect. However, when I looked at the price tag, I found out it cost $1,000. Since I had set a budget before I started shopping, I was able to stop myself from making an impulse buy that I might regret in January."
According to Allen, there are two types of artificial Christmas trees: ones with polyvinyl chloride needles and ones with polyethylene needles. PVC needles are flat, rectangular pieces of plastic that are twisted into the wired branches to vaguely resemble needles. These types of trees are much more affordable, but they don't look very real. PE needles are molded so they have the same dimensions as actual evergreen needles. They are extremely realistic-looking but cost significantly more than PVC trees. To save money, some manufacturers use a mix of PVC and PE needles.
In an artificial tree, the tip count is the number of branches the tree has; the higher the tip count, the denser the tree. If you want a wispy, Charlie-Brown type tree, go for a low tip count. Otherwise, you want an artificial tree that has a decent tip count. Allen recommends that a 6.5-foot tree have at least an 800 or 900 tip count.
Not all artificial trees are assembled the same way. Some models have hinged branches that fold down for display and fold up for storage, making it super easy to set up and store your artificial tree each year. Other models have a central pole that the entire (pre-decorated) tree hangs from, almost like a skirt. Again, these trees are easy to assemble and store flat. A third type of tree is one that must be assembled piece by piece, like a puzzle. If you like a challenge, this type of tree is for you.
Allen points out that you have several options when it comes to pre-lit trees. You can have clear lights, multicolored lights or lights that have programmable colors. These lights can flash or chase in different patterns. They can also simply remain on. The number and type of lights you get is a preference driven by your aesthetics.
While it may seem minor, Allen notes that the stand is also an aspect worth considering. You can get an artificial tree with a fold-up stand that's permanently attached to the tree base, or you can get one that slips together. Although the fold-up stand is more convenient, a stand that requires assembly will do the job just as well. The important aspect is to look for a model with a wide footprint for stability, especially if you have pets or small children.
Allen reminds us that artificial trees come in all sorts of colors. While you can get them in a wide variety of greens, you can also get white, red, blue, pink and even black trees. There's a color to fit every decor.
National Tree Company Pre-Lit "Feel Real" Artificial Full Christmas Tree
This tree has it all. It features individually crafted branches that look lifelike, 1,000 white lights (that stay lit if one goes out), hinged branches and hypoallergenic needles that are also fire-resistant.
Sold by Amazon
The Holiday Aisle 7.5-Foot Lighted Artificial Spruce Christmas Tree
The snow-dusted branches on this tree give it a wonderful, wintry look. It has a slightly thinner profile and comes with 450 clear lights that stay lit even if a bulb burns out.
Sold by Wayfair
Wondershop 7.5-Foot Pre-Lit Slim Virginia Pine Artificial Christmas Tree
This tree has a slim design, making it suitable for smaller spaces. It has 400 clear lights and features mixed cashmere hard needle tips for a natural look.
Sold by Target
National Tree Company 7.5-Foot Pre-Lit North Valley White Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree
If you want to add a splash of festive style to your holiday decor, this white Christmas tree is up to the task. It has 1,346 branch tips, 600 clear lights and a large, sturdy base.
Sold by Kohl's
Home Accents Holiday 7.5-Foot Wesley Pine Christmas Tree
The considerate design of this tree gives you on/off operation via a foot pedal for convenience. It has 550 color-changing lights, 1,342 branch tips and a folding stand for easy storage.
Sold by Home Depot
National Tree Company Carolina Pine 7.5-Foot Artificial Holiday Pre-Lit Christmas Tree
The branches on this 7.5-foot tree are individually crafted to create a full-bodied, lifelike look. It is fire-resistant and features pine cones and 750 white lights that remain on even if a bulb burns out.
Sold by Amazon
The Holiday Aisle 7.5-Foot Lighted Artificial Spruce Christmas Tree
There are 1,346 branch tips on this 7.5-foot tree. Each branch is individually crafted to give the tree a lifelike appearance, and the 550 white bulbs add to the appeal.
Sold by Wayfair
National Tree Company 4.5-Foot Pre-Lit North Valley Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree
If you're looking for a smaller tree, this 4.5-foot offering might be just what you need. It has 398 branch tips, 200 multicolored lights and a sturdy 32-inch base.
Sold by Kohl's
National Tree Company 4.5-Foot Dunhill Fir Hinged Artificial Christmas Tree
If you want an incredibly realistic-looking tabletop tree, this 4.5-foot model has 763 branch tips, giving it an ultra-dense design. It has hinged branches for easy setup and is fire-resistant and hypoallergenic.
Sold by Home Depot
Wondershop 6-Foot Unlit Slim Alberta Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree
For the budget-minded individual, this 6-foot tree is a solid option. It features a slim PVC design and only weighs 6.6 pounds.
Sold by Target
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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
