Christmas trees are at the heart of many holiday traditions. We decorate them, place gifts beneath them, and gather around with loved ones. An artificial Christmas tree can be a great choice, providing beauty and durability year after year. In this guide, we’ll help you select the best artificial Christmas tree that suits your space, style, and budget.
What Size and Shape Should You Get?
Artificial Christmas trees come in various sizes and shapes. To choose the right one, start by measuring the space where you plan to display the tree.
Christmas Tree Height Guide
A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 15 cm between the top of the tree and your ceiling. This allows room for a tree topper, such as an angel or star, without the tree looking cramped. If your ceiling is 240 cm high and you’re using a 30 cm topper, a tree around 195 cm tall would be ideal.
Here’s a general guide for different spaces:
- Miniature Trees: Perfect for tabletops or smaller spaces.
- Average-Height Trees: Great for homes with standard ceiling heights.
- Tall Trees: Ideal for homes with higher ceilings.
Popular Christmas Trees
Here are some popular trees to consider:
- Monterey Pine (213.5 cm, LED Lights): $1,149 (most realistic).
- BH Balsam Fir (213.5 cm, LED Lights): $1,299 (most realistic).
- Canadian Blue Green Spruce (183 cm, LED Lights): $899 (traditional).
- Vermont White Spruce (198.5 cm, LED Lights): $1,299 (most realistic).
Choosing the Right Shape
The shape of your tree impacts how much room it takes up. If you have a spacious area, a regular full tree gives you that classic Christmas look. For smaller or tighter spaces, a slim or narrow tree can be a great fit.
- Full Trees: The most popular option, with a traditional full shape.
- Slim Trees: A slender option designed for tight spaces.
- Flatback Trees: Perfect for small apartments or studios where you want a tree to sit against a wall.
How Realistic Will My Tree Look?
Just because you’re choosing an artificial tree doesn’t mean you need to give up the look and feel of a real one. Many artificial trees are designed to mimic actual tree species. For example, Balsam Hill trees are inspired by real species, capturing their shape, texture, and even slight color variations.
Types of Needles
Artificial tree needles are made from two main materials:
- PVC Needles: Flat and papery, giving a more classic artificial look.
- PE Needles: These are more realistic, offering depth and texture.
The more PE needles a tree has, the more lifelike it will appear. For example, Balsam Hill’s True Needle® technology replicates the feel and appearance of real evergreen trees.
Levels of Realism
Balsam Hill offers three levels of realism:
- Most Realistic: Trees with more than 65% PE needles for the most lifelike appearance.
- Realistic: Up to 65% PE needles, giving a good balance between realism and cost.
- Traditional: Made entirely of PVC needles, offering a more budget-friendly option.
Choosing by Species and Color
Certain tree species might hold special meaning for you, whether it’s the kind you had growing up or simply a look you love. Balsam Hill creates artificial trees based on real species like fir, spruce, and pine.
- Fir Trees: Known for dense branches with soft needles.
- Spruce Trees: Have rougher branches and sharper needles.
- Pine Trees: Feature thin, clustered needles with more open branches.
In addition to species, you can choose trees in different shades, from traditional green to snow-dusted white trees. Some trees are even multicolored, like the Fraser Fir with dark green tips and silvery undersides.
Lighting Options
Lights can add warmth and magic to your Christmas tree, even before you hang any decorations. If you prefer pre-lit trees, Balsam Hill offers several options:
- Candlelight™ LED: Provides a warm, soft glow similar to real candlelight.
- Multi-Colored LED: Offers a vibrant mix of colors.
- Color + Clear™ LED: Allows you to switch between clear and colored lights.
- Fairy Lights: Tiny LED bulbs that create a whimsical look.
If you enjoy setting up your own lights, go for an unlit tree. As a rule of thumb, use about 100 lights for every 30 cm of tree height, or more if you prefer a brighter look.
Set-Up and Storage Made Easy
Setting up an artificial tree doesn’t need to be a hassle. Balsam Hill offers convenient features like Flip Trees®, which let you wheel the tree into place and flip it upright without heavy lifting. They also come with Easy Plug® technology, so you don’t have to deal with multiple plugs.
To make things even easier, many trees are Pre-Fluffed™, meaning they’ve been shaped before shipping. This cuts down on the time it takes to fluff the branches, so you can get straight to decorating.
Final Considerations
When choosing an artificial Christmas tree, it’s important to balance factors like size, shape, realism, and price. Here are a few additional tips:
- Budget: Artificial trees can be more expensive upfront than real trees, but they last for many years. Consider your budget when choosing between more realistic and traditional trees.
- Decorations: Make sure your tree has sturdy branches to support heavier ornaments.
- Tree Skirts and Stands: Choose a tree skirt or collar that’s at least 15 cm wider than the tree’s base to cover the stand completely.
Care and Storage
To keep your artificial tree looking great year after year, store it in a cool, dry place. Using a storage bag can help protect it from dust and damage.
When to Buy Your Tree
You can purchase artificial Christmas trees year-round, but the best deals are often found during big sales, like Black Friday or post-Christmas clearance events.
By following these tips, you’ll find the perfect artificial Christmas tree to make your holidays bright and festive for years to come!
