Best Artificial Christmas Trees to Choose From
Artificial Trees: What to Consider
Before getting a tree, it's a good idea to do a little planning. Do you prefer a PE, PVC, pre-decorated or flocked artificial tree? Do you prefer a pre-lit Christmas tree or one you can light yourself? Which size would be best for your home?
Most people have a location in mind, but measure both the available height and width of the area before making a purchase.
Tips:
- When measuring the maximum height, be sure to leave some room for your tree topper
- Check for the tree diameter on the label
- Slimmer trees work great in foyers, dining rooms and as secondary trees
- Trees designed for outdoor placement should be weather—and UV—resistant for lasting use
- Many artificial trees are available with the lights pre-installed for easier setup
- Branches featuring sculpted tips more closely resemble the natural look of real trees for a more convincing imitation.
Types of Artificial Christmas Trees
There are a large selection of Christmas tree styles to choose from, with each featuring a different look, shape and colour. Some of the most popular types of artificial trees are:
Fir Christmas Tree
- Bushy and full in appearance
- Great choice for a sparsely decorated tree
Pine Christmas Tree
- Classic needle construction
- Plenty of room for all your favourite ornaments
Spruce Christmas Tree
- More traditional shape and style
- Perfect for lots of ornaments
Flocked Christmas Tree
- Branches are treated with a pre-applied snow dusting look
- Mimics a winter wonderland inside your home
- Available in pre-lit or unlit
Tinsel/Metallic Christmas Tree
- Retro and vintage style
- Adds a fun pop of colour
Artificial Tree Assembly
Setting up and decorating your Christmas tree is an activity the whole family can enjoy. Shaping is the process of forming the individual branches to create a full, natural look. It is accomplished by bending the wires attached to each branch to provide uniform coverage.
Shaping Tips:
- Position the branches so the tips bend upwards in a slight arc for better support of hanging ornaments
- Shape branches as you go to create a more natural look
- Stagger the branches as you bend the wire to fill in all spaces and prevent holes
Christmas Tree Lighting
While pre-lit Christmas tree options are very convenient and could be the best option for some, others might prefer more control over the brightness of the tree.
If you want to put up your own lights, you’ll find an array of styles and colours available. On average, you’ll need about 100-300 incandescent lights per foot of tree for solid coverage, and a little less ratio for LED lights. Look for bulbs that have burn-out protection and no-twist sockets, so one faulty or twisted bulb won’t knock out the rest of the lights on your tree.
UL Listed Lights:
Underwriters Laboratory (UL) is an independent testing agency that verifies lights are safe for use under designated conditions. Look for the UL listing on all your holiday lighting purchases.
Safety and Maintenance
Always inspect light strands and electrical cords for signs of damage or wear. If there are any defects, dispose of the item and replace it with one that is in working order. Be careful not to overload electrical circuits and do not string more than the manufacturer-recommended number of light cords together. Always turn off lights when you're not at home or before you go to bed.
Maintenance Tips:
- Special storage bags that keep out dust and insects are ideal for your artificial tree
- Wrap lights around a spool or piece of cardboard to prevent them from becoming tangled
- Storage boxes help keep ornaments safe and organized
