When buying an artificial Christmas tree, there’s more to think about than just the price. From size and material to whether it’s pre-lit or not, this guide will give you the details you need to pick the perfect tree for your holiday celebrations.
1. Tree Size and Shape
The first thing you need to consider when buying an artificial Christmas tree is its size. Christmas trees come in a wide range of heights and widths, so you need to choose one that fits well in your space. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Height: Measure the height of the room where you plan to place the tree. Make sure there’s enough ceiling clearance, and allow for a tree topper (like a star or angel). Common tree heights are 6-7 feet, 7-8 feet, and even taller options. If you have a smaller space, a 4-5 foot tree could work well.
Width: The width or fullness of the tree is equally important. Consider how much space you have for tree placement. Some trees are more compact and narrow, perfect for smaller spaces, while others are fuller, taking up more room.
Shape: You’ll notice that trees can have different shapes, from slim and narrow to full and bushy. If you’re looking for a traditional, full-bodied look, opt for a tree with wide branches and plenty of foliage. Slim trees are great for tight spaces like apartments.
When choosing a tree height, remember to leave enough clearance for your tree topper and some visible space below the ceiling. You should also check the tree’s listed diameter, as trees with the same height can vary significantly in width.
2. Tree Color and Foliage
When choosing an artificial tree, consider the color and foliage style that best fits your decor.
Here’s what to consider regarding the tree’s color:
Traditional Green: A classic green tree works well for any kind of decor and is a safe choice if you’re going for a traditional Christmas look. If you're aiming for realism, look for a tree with varying shades of green for a more natural feel.
Flocked Trees: These trees come with a coating of faux snow or flocking, which can add a wintery, frosted appearance to your decor. If you live in a warmer climate or just love the aesthetic of a snowy Christmas, a flocked tree can bring that feel indoors.
Pre-lit artificial Christmas trees are designed for shoppers who want faster setup and evenly distributed lighting. Before purchasing one, check the light color, total light count, connection method, lighting controls, warranty coverage, and replacement support.
Warm white lights create a classic and elegant appearance, while multicolor or clear-and-color lights provide more flexibility for households that enjoy changing their decorating style.
An unlit tree may be a better choice for shoppers who prefer to select, replace, or change their own lights each season.
3. Material and Construction
Artificial Christmas tree foliage is commonly made from PVC, molded PE, or a combination of both materials.
PVC foliage is often used to create interior fullness at a more accessible price. Molded PE tips are shaped to resemble natural evergreen branches and generally provide a more realistic appearance.
Many artificial Christmas trees combine PE tips on the visible outer branches with PVC foliage toward the interior. This mixed construction can provide a practical balance between realism, fullness, and price.
Material is not the only factor that determines how realistic a tree looks. Branch structure, foliage color, tree shape, density, and proper branch shaping also affect the final appearance.
4. Ease of Assembly
One of the main reasons people love artificial Christmas trees is their ease of assembly. Some trees come with hinged branches, which make setup a breeze—just unfold the branches and fluff them out. Other trees require you to attach each branch individually. While this may take a little longer, it can result in a fuller, more customized appearance. Consider how much time you’re willing to spend assembling your tree when choosing between these two options.
5. Tree Stand and Stability
A sturdy stand is crucial to keep your tree stable. If your tree wobbles, it could be dangerous, especially if you have pets or children. Look for trees with metal stands, as they provide more support and durability compared to plastic stands. An adjustable stand can also be a helpful feature if your floor is uneven, ensuring your tree remains straight and balanced.
6. Price and Brand Reputation
Price is definitely a key consideration when choosing an artificial Christmas tree. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a higher-quality tree can actually save you money in the long run. Cheaper trees often degrade faster and lose their realistic look after just a few seasons.
That’s why we recommend checking out our Vivatrees collection. We offer high-quality trees at competitive prices, designed to be durable, realistic, and easy to set up. Choosing a Vivatrees tree is a smart investment for your holiday decor—bringing you both value and lasting beauty.
Before ordering an artificial Christmas tree online, review the warranty, return conditions, shipping policy, and availability of replacement lighting or parts. These details can be just as important as the initial purchase price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when buying an artificial Christmas tree?
Start by checking the tree’s height, width, and shape to make sure it fits your room. Then compare the foliage materials, lighting type, assembly method, stand stability, warranty, return conditions, and storage requirements. The right tree should fit both your available space and your preferred decorating style.
What is the most realistic artificial Christmas tree material?
Molded PE branch tips generally create a more natural shape than traditional flat-cut PVC foliage. However, the overall realism of a tree also depends on its branch structure, foliage color, density, width, and silhouette. Many realistic artificial trees combine PE tips on the outside with PVC foliage inside for additional fullness.
Is PE or PVC better for an artificial Christmas tree?
PE is generally a better choice for shoppers who prioritize realistic branch shapes. PVC is commonly used to add fullness while keeping the tree more affordable. Mixed PE and PVC trees can offer a practical balance between realism, density, and price.
Are pre-lit artificial Christmas trees worth it?
Pre-lit trees can be worthwhile for shoppers who want faster setup and evenly distributed lights. Before purchasing, check the light color, total light count, connection method, lighting controls, warranty, and replacement support. An unlit tree may be more suitable if you prefer to change your lighting style each year.
How much space should I leave above an artificial Christmas tree?
Leave enough clearance for the tree topper and some visible space below the ceiling. The exact amount depends on the height of your topper and the proportions of the room. Measure the complete space before buying and confirm whether the listed tree height includes the stand.
How wide should an artificial Christmas tree be?
Measure the available floor area and leave additional room for walkways, doors, fireplaces, and nearby furniture. Always check the product’s listed diameter because trees with the same height can have very different widths.
How long should an artificial Christmas tree last?
There is no single lifespan that applies to every artificial Christmas tree. Its usable life depends on the foliage materials, lighting components, frequency of assembly, storage conditions, branch handling, and overall construction. Careful disassembly and storage can help protect both the branches and built-in lighting.
Is a flocked or classic green Christmas tree better?
A classic green tree is more versatile and can support different decorating themes from year to year. A flocked tree creates a stronger snowy or winter-inspired appearance but may require more careful setup, cleanup, and storage. The better option depends on your preferred decorating style.
Conclusion
Choosing an artificial Christmas tree is a big decision. Consider factors like size, material, ease of setup, and durability to find one that fits your home and holiday needs.
A great tree isn’t just about looks—it’s about functionality and lasting quality. Once you pick the perfect one, all that’s left to do is decorate and enjoy the season!