There are many shapes, sizes, colors, and practical uses for artificial Christmas trees. Whether you are looking for a table centerpiece or a cozy decoration for your presents, you should know what you’re buying and just as importantly understand the features and benefits of each type of tree. Happy decorating!
Aosom‘s guide will cover all you need to know to make the perfect choice this holiday season. Let’s get started.
What is an Artificial Christmas Tree?
Artificial Christmas trees were first created using wood and feathers by the Germans some time in during the 1800s.
They are imitation fir and pine trees used as decorations the same way authentic Christmas trees are used. Today, they are made primarily with PVC plastics due to them being lightweight and relatively inexpensive.
They come in a variety of styles, shapes, sizes, and colors. We will handle each in turn and turn you into an artificial Christmas tree buying wizard.
Small Trees
Small trees can be placed in a variety of places around the house. They can be fully put together and decorated within minutes.
They are great as centerpieces or a filler for side tables and empty spaces in walkways.
Large Trees
Large trees are what you would imagine putting your presents under.
Large artificial trees can be put together in under 30 minutes, and are just as fun to decorate as real trees.
They are intended for larger spaces and are more durable and longer-lasting than traditional trees.
These usually are easy to disassemble and put away for the following years.
Green Trees
Still the norm as a color for a Christmas tree, green is the color most choose to go with.
The traditional dark green color of a Christmas tree can give the illusion of the real thing. This works especially well if your decorations are more rustic and warm.
Passerbys will never know the difference as they catch a glimpse of your tree through your window.
Colored Trees
It is becoming more common for artificial trees to be made in different colors– the most common being white, pink, and blue.
These colors can add a pop to your overall theme. Bright colors such as white and pink can give a modern and clean feel to your space.
Colors like red can go great with warm rustic themes.
Cooler colors like blue and purple can be a nice contrast to a warmer space
Pre-decorated Trees
Pre-decorated trees are ideal for when you just want to set it and forget it.
You won’t need to add any decorations right out of the box, of course, this doesn’t stop you if you would like to add your own twist to it.
Decorated trees can come pre-lit, with an artificial snow dusting, or even things like ornaments altogether. These are great if you do not have enough time or decorations to do it yourself.
PVC vs PE Trees
Most artificial trees are made with either PVC plastic or Polyethylene (PE) plastic.
PVC trees tend to look more artificial. The needles are flat and flimsy. They are made using cutouts from a sheet of PVC.
PE trees look more realistic. The plastic is poured into a mold of an actual real tree to create the needles and branches.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tree to Fit Your Needs
Choosing the right tree can be a challenge. Especially with all the different types and applications for them. So here are a few tips to help you make the best decision.
What Are Your Goals for the Tree?
Are you worried about your tree looking fake? Or do you not care at all that others notice?
These questions can be important when deciding what tree to buy. If you would your tree to be as realistic as possible, it is recommended to get a green tree, preferably made out of PE plastic. This combo mixed with a pine-scented spray can make your tree almost indistinguishable from the real thing.
If you could care less about the authentic look of a tree, you can really get creative with what you end up purchasing. It is really up to your preference of decorating when you go the clearly artificial route.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is just as important as the look of a tree. You never want to be spending hours of your time and energy putting together a simple tree– and that’s before decorating!
Be sure to read reviews about the tree, good and bad. Look at the description of the packaging, does it have a handle? How easily does it assemble? Is the box durable for storage purposes?
The whole point of getting the artificial tree is to make the process easier for yourself. You don’t want to replace one tedious task with another.
How easy is the storage for the tree? Can you pop it back into the box? Remember, as much fun as it is, Christmas doesn’t last all year. The tree is going to be in some storage area most of the year. This brings us to the next tip…
Get Quality Materials
A key selling point with artificial trees is that they are reusable, but there is no point in buying a reusable tree if the quality isn’t there. You don’t want to pull your tree out of the box next Christmas and have it crumble on you.
It is important to choose quality materials when it comes to your tree. Go for a metal frame rather than plastic. Maybe choose the heavier-duty packaging rather than a flimsy cardboard box.
And finally…
Price
An authentic Christmas tree can cost you between $70 and $100 for an average-sized tree.
This is a tree that’s meant to last, if you’re lucky, for up to 5 weeks. Compared to an artificial tree that can last for years and years.
The average price for an artificial tree is around $100 but can get up to $400, the payoff here is the saved headache of trekking through the snow every year to get a tree and the mess that come with it.
All the tips and descriptions above should be taken into consideration when thinking about price.
For example, you can’t expect to spend less than $100 on a PE plastic, 6ft tree with built-in lighting.
The golden key is finding a sweet spot between value and price, as well as meeting your decoration goals to make it the best Christmas ever.