Christmas Tree Buying Guide
Christmas Tree Buying Guide
Christmas Tree Buying Guide
The Ultimate Christmas Tree Buying Guide
The holiday season can be a very hectic time, especially with Christmas just around the corner. The last thing you need is the stress of Christmas tree shopping, which is why we've created a comprehensive guide to help you make the best and easiest choice when selecting your living room's main holiday centerpiece.
Whatever your holiday decorating style, the perfect tree is out there for you, and our guide will help you make the most informative decision possible.
Now, let's talk trees and everything you need to know before buying:
Live Vs. Artificial Trees: Which Is Right For You?
Arguably the most important decision you'll need to make—and the one that will dictate all your other tree-related decisions—is whether to get an artificial tree or a real one.
Both options come with their own set of pros and cons. For example, a freshly-cut live tree will bring that beautiful evergreen aroma into your home. Not to mention, going out with your family to choose the perfect tree is part of the Christmas experience for many and a generational tradition.
Of course, live trees come with some responsibilities. You'll need to prepare your space and ensure you can maintain and care for the tree while it's in your home.
In regards to artificial trees, they're much easier to maintain as they don't shed needles or require water. Many of the artificial trees in stores today are made to be life-like in style and type. You can also find them in different colors, such as white, to add something special to your holiday decor.
However, you'll have to be careful with your artificial tree placement as their materials make them a bit of a fire hazard. So, you'll need to keep them a safe distance from fireplaces and candles.
Truthfully, there's no wrong decision here. If you choose to purchase an artificial tree, it doesn't mean you can't change your mind the following year and purchase a live one. It all comes down to your holiday and maintenance preferences.
The best time to buy your Christmas tree depends entirely on whether you've decided to go with an artificial tree or a live tree.
In terms of where to buy your tree, in-person shopping will allow you to get a feel for the tree, get suggestions, have your questions answered right away, and test out any features that come with it.
That's not to say that online shopping doesn't have its perks, especially if you order your tree before the season begins which will give you enough time to make a return or exchange if necessary. Just make sure that if you're buying online that you read up on the store's policies in regards to warranties and returns.
Now, let's talk about the best times to make a Christmas tree purchase:
For Artificial Christmas Trees:
When it comes to buying an artificial Christmas tree, the main factor that comes into play is the price. A quality artificial Christmas tree won't be cheap, especially since they're made to last almost a lifetime. Of course, you also want to ensure that you are buying something that lasts for years to come, which is why it's best to shop around and get to know the price points and materials used before pulling out your credit card.
With quality in mind, the best time to buy an artificial Christmas tree is technically whenever it's being offered at the right price. You can depend on all artificial trees to be at their most affordable when distributors are trying to move their excess inventory.
These times vary throughout the year, and typically include:
Black Friday
Cyber Monday
Immediately after Christmas (during post-Christmas sales)
During "Christmas in July" sales
Off-peak seasons
If you can wait, it's best to purchase your artificial tree either right before or right after Christmas day. However, if waiting isn't an option or you already have a specific tree in mind, then you'll want to try and buy it around Thanksgiving time.
If the cost isn't an issue, then you can go ahead and buy your artificial tree at any time. Just keep in mind that additional features like LED lights will likely bump up the price. Fortunately, they're made to last a long time which can save you money on extra decorations in the long run.
Figuring Out Your Christmas Tree Style
Your Christmas tree "style" will also depend on whether or not you want to go with a live tree or artificial tree.
With artificial trees, it all comes down to how realistic you want it to look, whether you want it pre-lit, decorated, potted, and so on.
Types of Artificial Trees
When it comes to artificial trees, you have a lot more options to choose from. Those options will vary, however, by specific categories from needle type to color.
Let's begin with needle type:
PVC Christmas trees are durable and affordable. They've been around since the 1930s, and the materials are cut into long rectangular-like shapes with flat surfaces. Once twisted into the tree branches, the PVC gives the illusion of thick and full branches ready to hang all sorts of ornaments.
PE needles were designed and manufactured to resemble real Christmas trees—hence the name. The "needles" on these artificial trees appear lush and tapered, which gives the tree a multi-dimensional look and feel.
The ultra-realistic types of trees are usually a little more expensive, but they also last longer than PVC trees. They also look better, in our opinion!
The PE and PVC combo makes for an affordable "realistic" tree option. The PVC materials offer fullness to the tree while the PE materials make it look much more realistic compared to simply that of the PVC material.
While it's not an ultra-realistic tree, you'll still get the natural look you desire for a better price point.
Now, let's talk style:
Flocked Christmas trees are very popular as they bring the essence of winter into the home. The branches on these trees are lightly dusted with "sparkling snow" to provide a white Christmas aesthetic.
This style actually works best in homes with more neutral and minimalist decor, but they’re suitable for anyone who wants a more "outdoorsy" feel to go with the rest of their decorations.
Fiber optic trees are shimmery, modern, and super easy to use. This style features mini lights placed on the tips of the tree's branches either throughout the entire tree or more sparsely placed. This adds a nice warm glow to the tree, and you can find color-changing options as well.
Fiber optic trees also use LED lights, which ensures that the trees stay cool to the touch—so you don't have to worry about overheating, burnt-out bulbs, or fires.
Pre-lit style Christmas trees are another popular glimmering option since the LED lights are already installed. All you have to do is take the tree out of its box, assemble it, add your ornaments and you're good to go.
Just like the fiber optic style, you can choose from various color options. Just keep in mind, the lights are sewn into the branches, so you won't be able to change them.
Unlit artificial Christmas trees remain at the top of the list for those who prefer to handle all the decorations. They come in the same sizes and shapes as all the other trees, and they allow you and your family the option to continue your Christmas tree decorating traditions.
Decorated
Fully-decorated artificial trees are also an option. This style comes fully stacked with lights, ornaments, and other accessories, such as bows and even tree stands. Pre-decorated trees make holiday decorating easy for those who don't have the time to decorate or storage space for both a tree and decorations and other accessories.
Of course, the decorations usually come attached to the tree, so there's no changing them up if you're thinking about changing your holiday aesthetics.
Upside-down trees are exactly what they sound like—artificial trees made to hang upside down from your ceiling with the top facing the floor. This style of tree makes for a fun conversation piece during holiday parties.
Upside-down trees are also great for smaller homes and apartments, especially those with cats and other small animals that enjoy climbing and destroying your holiday decor.
Potted trees are typically associated with the farmhouse aesthetic, and they're a great option for when you want a realistic look. You'll find a variety of potted options, some more glamorous and ornate, and others plain and to the point.
They also make for great outdoor Christmas decorations as they can be used to frame doorways and even walkways for a better curb appeal.
There's always a primary focus on finding the perfect artificial tree that perfectly resembles real trees. However, you always have the option to spice things up with a retro or contemporary look—even if it's just for one holiday season.
The best thing about tinsel and colorful trees is that they don't appear as fake or tacky as you may be imagining in your mind right now. You can find a variety of options, like rose gold tinsel trees, or shimmering white trees that not only make a statement but can really jazz up your holiday decor.
Moving on to tree profiles:
The most commonly sought-after tree profiles are the full trees. They're essentially the ultimate Christmas symbol as they take on that classic and traditional form you see in all the holiday movies and illustrations.
You can think of the shape like an upside triangle or cone—narrow at the top, filling out more and more towards the bottom with a wider base. If you're into the classic Christmas tree look, then this is the profile option for you.
Pencil trees have a profile that's significantly skinnier than that of a full tree. While most pencil profiles are on the thin side you'll find some varieties that do offer a broader appearance. However, they always maintain a slender and modern silhouette.
The exact broadness of a pencil tree will vary based on its height and the manufacturer. Of course, they're all perfect for smaller homes and apartments that don't have the space for a full tree.
Naturally Imperfect Trees
Usually, when we talk about imperfect trees, the Charlie Brown Christmas tree comes to mind. However, that's not the case with the naturally imperfect profile option. These artificial trees are made with fewer branches and needles than the fuller artificial tree, which gives them a more organic appearance.
The imperfections refer to sparse needles, crooked branches, and that which provides a more natural and minimalistic look.
As you can see, there are tons of style combinations you can choose from, which can be a bit overwhelming. When in doubt, we suggest going for the full, classic, and undecorated tree as it can be decorated differently each year. How realistic you want it to appear is entirely up to you!
Choosing a Tree Based on its Height and Intended Space
Whether you've decided on a live Christmas tree or an artificial one, you'll need to take into consideration the space you have available.
Artificial trees typically range in height from three feet (tabletop trees) to 12 feet or more.
The general rule of thumb for tree height is that an eight- to the nine-foot ceiling will accommodate a seven-foot tree. Traditional high ceilings will accommodate trees that are eight to nine feet, and vaulted ceilings can fit trees that are 10 to 14 feet in height.
The most commonly sought-after tree heights are between three and six feet as they fit perfectly for most home and apartment types without taking up too much space.
If you're unsure of what you can fit inside your home vertically, the first thing you'll need to do is measure from the floor to ceiling. Keep in mind that you'll want to leave between six and 12 inches of space between the top of your tree and ceiling so you can fit a topper.
Of course, height isn't the only thing that matters when choosing a Christmas tree. The width and shape of the tree will also be deciding factors, and as you'll recall, your options range from full to slim to pencil-thin.
The rule of thumb concerning Christmas tree width is that most full trees around seven feet tall will have a width of 56 to 64 inches. Artificial tree manufacturers always provide the tree dimensions in their descriptions, so all you'll have to do is measure your intended space to figure out the right height, width, and profile. Measuring is important because the trees will look smaller inside the store than inside your home. You don't want to get home and find out the tree you selected is too large for your space.