What Are the Best Artificial Christmas Trees?
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: There’s probably no scent stick or can of room spray that will fully capture the spirit of a real Christmas tree. It’s a smell that immediately evokes images of gingerbread houses and peppermint candy canes. But that doesn’t mean having one is without its problems — from fallen needles and having to water it to figuring out the proper disposal procedures (or even dealing with allergies). That’s where the right artificial Christmas tree comes in.
Summary of items we will discuss in this buying guide :
Balsam Hill BH Balsam Fir
Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce
National Tree Company 7-Foot Dunhill Fir Artificial Christmas Tree
National Tree Company 7.5-Foot Carolina Pine Artificial Christmas Tree
Puleo International 9-Foot Pre-Lit Slim Balsam Fir Artificial Christmas Tree
National Tree Company 3-Feet Artificial Christmas Tree, Pink Tinsel
Puleo 4.5-Foot Pre-Lit Potted Flocked Scandinavian Fir Artificial Christmas Tree
Our top picks :
Balsam Hill BH Balsam Fir
In the Christmas-décor-scape, Balsam Hill reigns supreme. Browsing the site is like stepping onto the set of a holiday movie with its poinsettia-packed garlands and tiny wooden villages. The brand was the most mentioned by far among the experts we spoke to, and a number of interior designers, set decorators, and Christmas enthusiasts sang its praises. Part of the cult around Balsam Hill comes down to how realistic its artificial trees look. “Some trees just look like plastic,” says Erin Swift, founder of holiday-decorating firm Holiday Workroom, who adds that if you’re going faux, “the answer is simple: Balsam Hill. Always Balsam Hill.”
Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce
Balsam Hill’s Classic blue spruce was featured on the set of Hallmark’s One Royal Holiday. Fittingly, the movie’s set decorator, Christi Whiteley, calls it “majestic.” Another fan is Lauren Ragan, director of ad operations at Vox Media. The real-looking needles on this tree take a while to arrange the first few times — each branch has needles arranged in a sort of fan shape, and they need to be pushed out and down — “but after some time, it gets easier and easier, my husband tells me,” Ragan says. After pulling the trigger on the “onetime investment” four Christmases ago, she hasn’t looked back. Ragan goes for a “nice dressing” of different-colored ornaments on the tree, a compromise with her husband. Her in-laws, who are big on Christmas, have theirs “doused in ornaments,” a tradition her husband has embraced.
National Tree Company 7-Foot Dunhill Fir Artificial Christmas Tree
Up until she bought this Dunhill Fir (designed by decades-old National Tree Company, another big name in the artificial tree business), Stefania Orrù, a supervising producer at Eater, owned fakes that were best described as “Charlie Brown–y.” Her hunt for her first full-size tree included lots of review reading and Googling — and it was a YouTube video that persuaded her to get this tree. “It was a steal,” considering how costly an artificial tree can be and especially with current inflation levels, Orrù says. (She bought hers for $190 — but it’s on sale for even less right now.) The tree is convincing enough and painless to set up with a base and sections of trunk that fit together and hinged branches pre-attached. This tree comes unlit — an important factor to consider when buying a cheaper fake, as adding lights yourself will require buying them separately and spending extra time to put them on. But Orrù appreciates the flexibility of being able to swap styles of lights this way. She went with a “disco junk food” theme last year — featuring ornaments in the shape of a hot dog, pizza, and stick of butter. She notes that the branches are “pretty pliable in terms of positioning.”
National Tree Company 7.5-Foot Carolina Pine Artificial Christmas Tree
For a pre-lit alternative, consider this similarly priced artificial Carolina Pine that has been a top seller with Strategist readers. It comes pre-decorated with pine cones and strung with 750 individual bulbs. The tree is slightly grander in shape than the Dunhill Fir, above, with a rounder silhouette.
Puleo International 9-Foot Pre-Lit Slim Balsam Fir Artificial Christmas Tree
Anne Sage, an interior designer and content creator, admits that although she loves grand trees that tower to the ceiling, their “equally impressive circumference” isn’t suited for her “not a mansion” space. This option comes from Puleo International, a fourth-generation family-owned manufacturer that calls itself “the oldest family name for Christmas trees in America.” At nine feet tall and 54 inches wide at the bottom, it has height while still being on the svelte side. It has just the right amount of “festive flair,” so that “unless you get up close to it, it’s hard to tell it’s faux,” she says. Sage intentionally arranges the tree to have that “sparse Scandi look” by not fluffing it up too much. Adding other adornments on it is “no more easy or difficult than on a regular, real tree,” Sage explains.
National Tree Company 3-Feet Artificial Christmas Tree, Pink Tinsel
This miniature tinseled number isn’t intended to be a dupe of a real Christmas tree, which is exactly why Trolio likes it. “It’s a shiny purple tree, after all,” she says of the “pink” one she owns, advising that the shade is much darker and more magenta in person. The tree comes in a rainbow of other hues as well, including white and turquoise. Trolio usually displays her three-foot tinsel tree in her daughters’ room — now 5 and 8 years old, they love having their own decorations — but thinks the style would be ideal for anyone with “a more kitschy aesthetic.” You can also get it in pre-lit four-foot and seven-foot versions.
Puleo 4.5-Foot Pre-Lit Potted Flocked Scandinavian Fir Artificial Christmas Tree
Because of her “demon cats,” Marshmallow and Marzipan, Abby Aronofsky, executive director of corporate marketing at Vox Media, decided on this flocked tree. She decorated with them in mind, hanging her collection of ornaments so the least breakable ones were at the bottom and her sentimental favorites at the top. “The cats got into it but no catastrophes,” she says. It’s potted, “proudly fake looking,” and pre-lit, so she didn’t end up “battling with tangled light strings.” Since she lives in a small New York City condo, the tree lived in her dining room–slash–kitchen for the holidays and went right back into the box it came in until next Christmas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, transforming your home into a festive wonderland is made even more delightful with the 6 best artificial Christmas trees featured in this guide. As you embark on the journey to select the perfect centerpiece for your holiday celebrations, it's imperative to consider the most critical points before making a buying choice:
- Tree Height and Size:
- Determine the ideal tree height and size for your space. Whether you have a cozy living room or a grand foyer, choosing a tree that complements your space is essential for a visually appealing holiday display.
- Realistic Appearance:
- Prioritize artificial Christmas trees that boast a realistic appearance. Look for features such as detailed branch tips, natural-looking needles, and a lifelike color palette to capture the charm of a traditional evergreen.
- Easy Assembly and Storage:
- Check for easy assembly and storage features. Opt for trees with user-friendly setups, including hinged branches and clear instructions. Convenient storage options, such as collapsible designs, ensure stress-free post-holiday cleanup.
- Quality of Construction:
- Assess the overall quality of construction. Durable materials and sturdy frames contribute to the longevity of your artificial tree, allowing you to enjoy festive seasons for years to come.
- Lighting Options:
- Consider lighting options based on your preferences. Choose pre-lit trees with energy-efficient LED lights or unlit trees if you prefer to add your own custom lighting. Multi-function lighting features add a dynamic touch to your holiday ambiance.
- Budget and Value for Money:
- Determine your budget and seek value for money. The best artificial Christmas trees offer a balance between quality and affordability, ensuring a worthwhile investment for creating lasting holiday memories.
By keeping these critical points in mind, you can confidently select the best artificial Christmas tree that suits your style and enhances your festive décor. The 6 featured trees not only excel in these aspects but also provide a variety of options to suit different preferences and holiday traditions. Elevate your holiday spirit with a stunning and hassle-free artificial Christmas tree that brings joy and warmth to your home.
