How To Choose an Artificial Christmas Tree

Slim Angel Pine

If you're considering purchasing an artificial Christmas tree this year, you're not alone. Artificial trees are more popular and more realistic than ever. In fact, few people can tell the difference between a high-quality artificial tree and a live one unless they touch it.

Today, you can choose from a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles. So how do you pick the perfect tree for your home?

What's your style?

Since artificial trees are modeled after the real thing—down to the last detail—start by thinking about the live trees you've liked most in the past. For example, do you like the look of pine, fir or spruce? Think about the branches, color and texture of each tree and your particular preferences.

If you collect ornaments and love to showcase them, consider trees with widely spaced, strong branches that can hold a multitude of ornaments. Firs, for example, have good spacing between sturdy branches.

Light it up

If you love the look of lots of lights, purchase a prelit tree. Lighted Christmas trees are professionally strung with rows and rows of lights to make your tree shine. Plus, you avoid the aggravation and wasted time of untangling Christmas lights every year. Isn't that alone worth the extra cost?

Select the Right Size for your Space

You'll want to choose the shape and size tree that best fits the space in your home. Measure your available space before you shop to make sure the tree you select fits. Generally, it's a good idea to select a tree that is six to twelve inches lower than your ceiling height.

Most artificial trees are produced in full, medium and slim shapes. Full trees have the traditional cone shape, tapering from a wide base to the top. Medium trees have a narrower base, and slim trees are the narrowest.