Artificial Christmas trees are a great alternative if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option. They don’t shed needles, they come in all sizes and colors, and they’re generally easier to maintain than real trees. But there’s still no one-size-fits-all substitute for the real thing.
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, about 30 million real trees were sold in the U.S. last year. While there’s no exact equivalent for artificial trees, we estimate that about 2 million of them were sold during the same period — and that number is growing every year as people discover their benefits.
Whether you’re looking for something simple or fancy, there’s an artificial tree out there that can fit your needs perfectly. Below is an ultimate buyers’ guide to help your choice this holiday:
1. Make sure it fits in your space
The size of your room or space will dictate what kind of tree you should buy. If it’s too big, it’ll look out of place. If it’s too small, it won’t fill up the space the way you want it to. A good rule of thumb is that the tree should be about 1/4th wider than the widest part of your room or space. For example, if your living room is 10 feet wide, then a 7-foot wide tree would be perfect for that area.
2. Know what kind of artificial Christmas tree you want
Do you want a pre-lit tree or one that lights up on its own? Do you want a realistic looking one or something more whimsical? And how much do you want to spend on this item? These are all questions that need answering before heading out to the store so that when you finally find one that meets all of your criteria, it will be easy picking!
What type of tree is right for me?
There are many different types of artificial Christmas trees on the market today:
- Flocked Trees – These trees have fake snow on their branches, giving them a realistic look and feel. They work well in areas where there isn’t much natural light and could also be used as centerpieces during parties or other events throughout the year (like Halloween).
- Glittered Trees – These trees feature bright colors like gold or silver along with glittery accents throughout the branches and trunk to give them an extra sparkle at night when turned on.
3. Consider branch Density
The branches of your artificial Christmas tree should feel full and heavy when you pick one up. They shouldn’t be sparse or flimsy. The more branches there are on a tree, the fuller and heavier it will feel in your hands.
4. Consider Budget
The most important factor to consider when buying an artificial Christmas tree is your budget. An artificial tree can be quite expensive but there are many affordable options on the market. You should get one that fits your budget and matches your needs.
5. Check for Stability
Another thing to consider when buying an artificial Christmas tree is stability because some models might not be sturdy enough to stand on their own when assembled properly or even just standing around waiting for use during the holidays.