Best Overall
Balsam Hill Prelit Classic Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
Best Bang for the Buck
Puleo International Prelit Aspen Fir Christmas Tree
Most Realistic
National Tree Company Full Downswept Christmas Tree
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Last Chance for Sales Before Christmas
TheNational Tree Company 6.5 - Foot Douglas Fir Full Christmas Tree is on sale for $ 110.50(save 65 % when added to handcart ) . This is the lowest terms we ’ve seen ! This tree was rated the Most Realistic by our examination squad . Hurry , to have this Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree deliver — for detached — before Christmas .
A undecomposed artificial Christmas tree correct the stage forholidays and celebration , and select the right one will bring a cheerful , festive vibration to your household . Our team tested 32 artificial trees and then narrowed the playing area to our top eight picks . Plus , we found a clear-cut favourite : Balsam Hill ’s Classic Blue Spruce , which took this year ’s top pureness for its naturalistic look , easy setup , and let in storage bag .
If you ’ve ever unboxed and foregather a vacation tree only to retrieve it did n’t wait anything like the advertised photograph , this guide is for you . You ’ll notice how each test tree diagram in our batting order pull in its smear , and you ’ll get confidential information from Jasmine Roth , server and ace ofHGTV ’s Hidden PotentialandHelp ! My House is Wreckedfor choosing the best artificial Christmas tree for your elan and budget .
Our Top Picks
The following trees realize a spot in our lineup thanks to quality building , realistic Christmas Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree appearance , and well value . Each tree diagram was tested and rated by a Bob Vila holiday squad fellow member . The following tree diagram execute the gamut in term of size , dash , and price , and one is certain to be a standout in your home this vacation .
Our rating : Setup5/5 ; Realism4/5 ; Stability5/5 ; Lighting5/5 ; Disassembly and Storage5/5
We tested the 7 - groundwork edition of this tree from Balsam Hill , which is expertly crafted to look like a drab spruce , have 2,366 branch tips for a full look . Its 850 warm - modulate lighter are controllable with a foot foot lever , and the tree brook boast scratchproof rubber pes to protect floor . It has a storage handbag and fluffing gloves to keep hands starting line - free during setup and disassembly .
We were impressed by this Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree from offset to finish . Even with the lights , setup was well-fixed and aboveboard . The tree was also plumb right off — no adjustments required . Its arm were sturdy yet flexible and full , and their symmetry mimicked a raw tree , with just enough wispy , longer branch tips for a more constituent look . While the flat needles lacked reality , the relaxation of the aesthetics more than made up for it . The let in LEDs impart to the lulu of this tree , equally and abundantly illuminating it .
In our examination , this Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree was quite stalwart . We break into it more than a dozen times , pretended to snap up gifts from underneath like excited children , and push on the luggage compartment . The ornaments jingled , and the top careen , but the base maintain business firm every time . The sturdy branches easily supported both heavy ornaments and thetree stovepipe .
The foot pedal for the lights and the storage bag were nice MBD - ons . We liked not have to turn over to disconnect the lights or turn over off a floor switch . The include storage bag was certainly undecomposed than a cardboard box and was sizable enough to easily go the tree diagram and other include item .
What our quizzer says : “ I love everything about this Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree : its sturdiness , its organic silhouette , but most of all , I bonk the lighting . They are so well place that the tree just glows . If you desire to mistreat up from an average Christmas tree without break the bank , this is it . ” — Beth Cranston , Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Balsam Hill juicy spruce Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ( various size ) atAmazonorBalsam Hill .
Our Ratings : Setup3/5 ; Realism4/5 ; Stability5/5 ; Lighting5/5 ; Disassembly and Storage5/5
Photo: BobVila.com
Those who prefer a naturalistic - see tree will appreciate the Puleo International aspen fir ’s natural appearance ; the 7.5 - foot tree we tested has sparse branches to give the tree diagram an attractive , slightly imperfect look . Hinged arm make it very promiscuous to put together , and once the tree ’s three sections are assembled , it requires only a slight fluffing and bending to raise its appearance . The trunk is somewhat seeable through the offshoot and looks like real wood , tot up to the tree ’s charm .
However , we found the trunk textile quite rough on our custody , so we suggest having a couple of body of work gloves ready to hand during setup and takedown . The branches are tough and will support heavy decorations or an abundance of ornaments for those who wish to go all out . Although the light on this tree are steady ( no blink of an eye ) , there ’s a metrical unit pedal for comfortable admission to turn them on and off .
We recollect this tree could be improved by including a strong central top ramification , as we had to conglomerate a handful of ramification and flex them around our lightweight fabric topper to keep it in place . Even then , the topper was n’t particularly steady , and we had to correct it several times and wrap more branches around it to get a secure hold .
All in all , we were very pleased with this tree for its easy assemblage and natural appearance . dismantling is straightforward , and the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree fits back into the corner with a little maneuvering .
Get the Puleo International aspen fir Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ( various sizes ) atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , Walmart , orBed Bath & Beyond .
Our rating : Setup4/5 ; Realism4/5 ; Stability5/5 ; LightingN / A ; Disassembly and Storage4/5
The National Tree Company makes some of the most realistic - count artificial tree on the market , and this Douglas true fir model is no exception . It comes in various sizes , and the 7.5 - base version we tested has a 59 - column inch - groundwork diam and 1,183 branch tips for a full , lavish look . That same size includes 750 light that can swap from clean to multicolor using a foot transposition , which also declare oneself several options for lighting actions .
This tree comes in three separate pieces , plus the base . It features hinged branches , which have apparatus a breeze . The most time - consuming part of set up the tree diagram was fluffing each branch . The branches feature crush - immune crown that are strong and sturdy , and we were able-bodied to hang our heaviest ornamentation with no issue and no worry of sagging . Once bollocks up , this tree has a beautiful shape and looks real .
Get the National Tree Company downswept tree diagram ( various size ) atNational Tree Company , Amazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: Amazon
Best Prelit
King of Christmas King Fraser Fir Tree
Our Ratings : Setup4.5/5 ; Realism5/5 ; Stability4.7/5 ; Lighting5/5 ; Disassembly and Storage3.5/5
Paying special for a prelit tree diagram is n’t deserving it if the tree does n’t lend a merry glow to your room . While many prelit Tree meet that minimum often - recommended 100 lights per understructure of tree , the King of Christmas Fraser fir tree goes above and beyond . Fitted with 1,000 LED microlights , this tree fructify the stage for a brilliant holiday season . you may also switch between several warm lily-white , multicolor , and alternating snowy / multicolor show .
In our run , we found that the ignition was ample and well target , and better still , the wires were quite well hidden — just as advertize . We also liked the steady , blinking , and slicing configurations and ascertain the brightness mount to be quite practical .
Photo: Amazon
But it was n’t just about the lights . Powered poles — no need to colligate cords — and hinge branches made for a simple setup . We were also impressed with its naturalistic needles , natural human body , and excess - sturdy leg . Their solid build made shaping a bit more ambitious , but they also stomach up to laboured ornaments , scarce budge when we hung them . Surprisingly though , we did have to assemble a couple of branch together to get our wire sensation topper to stand . Still , it ’s a nonaged downside for an otherwise outstanding tree .
Get the King of Christmas Fraser fir atKing of Christmas .
Best Unlit
National Tree Company Dunhill Fir Christmas Tree
Our Ratings : Setup4/5 ; Realism4/5 ; Stability3.5/5 ; LightingN / A ; Disassembly and Storage5/5
The National Tree Company unlit Dunhill fir tree prepare an ideal palette for displaying your personal vacation style . The 7.5 - foot version we tested offers 2,514 durable PVC branch tip to showcase your lights and decoration yr after yr .
When this tree arrived for examination , it was packed in three sections along with its folding steel base . The hinged limb fall absolutely into place from their anchor point on the trunk , and we split each branch and positioned all the tips . Assembly was sluttish but meter - consume , taking a little more than 2 hr at a rate of about 20 branch peak per minute . We really like the full silhouette and the not utterly manicured branch tip length .
Photo: Amazon
The foundation on the 7.5 - understructure Dunhill fir tree measures 59 inch in diam , and its outline from base to confidential information create a born appearance with a blend of longer and shorter outgrowth to conciliate Inner Light and ornament of different size . The branch tips have a flat visibility resembling balsam or fir pourboire , although not as perfectly as polyethylene ( PE ) hokey tree foliage . The unlit Dunhill fir tree is sturdy , looks good , and has plenty of branch tips to decorate . We could n’t enquire for more .
Get the National Tree Company Dunhill fir tree diagram ( various sizes ) atNational Tree Company , Amazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , orMichaels .
Best Flocked
Best Choice Products Snow Flocked Christmas Tree
Our Ratings : Setup3/5 ; Realism5/5 ; Stability5/5 ; LightingN / A ; Disassembly and Storage3/5
This arresting livid - tipped tree from Best Choice Products comes in multiple sizes , and we test the tallest version — a 9 - substructure tree that weighed almost 50 pounds . The Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree came in three sections , plus a stand to hold it . The pedestal look a little on the wimpish side , but once the tree was set up up , it book it securely .
assemble and fluffing the tree took nearly 2 hours , although we pick out a short eggnog break . The 9 - foot version has over 2,000 limb tips , so it took a while to get it altogether fluffed and looking skillful . We then added lights and ornaments . We even stuck a existent birdhouse in the branches , and the outgrowth and branch tips did n’t flag a snatch .
Photo: King of Christmas
The ruined facial expression of the Best Choice Products flocked tree is stunning — it was even more beautiful in our room than in the on-line pic . The branch shapes and constellation made it look innate , and the snowlike flocking added the everlasting finishing tactile sensation . Still , it was n’t an all positive experience because after we ’d finished fluffing the tree , our clothing , hair , and skin were flocked as well , and we were coughing from inhale flocking dust . Would we set this tree diagram up again ? utterly ! We ’ll just be wear caps and dust mask . This truly is one of the prettiest stilted trees we ’ve ever see .
Get the Best Choice Products flocked tree diagram ( various sizes ) atAmazon , Walmart , Target , orBest Choice Products .
Best Slim
Puleo International Prelit Slim Balsam Fir Tree
Our rating : Setup5/5 ; Realism4/5 ; Stability4/5 ; Lighting5/5 ; Disassembly and Storage5/5
The Puleo International balsam fir tree diagram is an elegant plus to a home ’s vacation decor with its attractive slim visibility and ample white ignition . The 9 - foot tree we test comes in four sections , and assembly was easy . The cognitive operation took only a few minutes , and bollocks up the branches and arranging them only supply another 15 minutes .
Once the lights were plug away in ( the tree diagram comes prelit with 800 clear lights ) , the tree was lovely , even without decorations , and give the tree ’s delicate coming into court , we found that just a handful of lightweight Methedrine ball ornaments was all it need . However , the branch are hardy enough to support backbreaking ornaments .
Photo: Amazon
We were a slight disappointed to find that the lights did n’t twinkle , but they are plentiful , and the tree has a foot pedal to make it easy to twist the lights on and off . add together a tree topper was tricky since there was no dedicated sturdy top branch for this determination , and we had to envelop several branches around the topper to get it to rest in place without flopping over .
Taking the tree down and putting it back in its box was a breeze — it take only 15 minute . We like this tree for its tidy , narrow appearance and for not taking up a lot of floor quad like some of the larger trees we tested .
Get the Puleo International slim tree diagram ( various sizes ) atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , Walmart , orBed Bath & Beyond .
Photo: Amazon
Best Small
National Tree Company Dunhill Fir Tree
Our rating : Setup4/5 ; Realism4/5 ; Stability4/5 ; Lighting:4/5 , Disassembly and Storage4/5
National Tree Company ’s 4 - foot Dunhill fir Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree from Wayfair is inadequate in height , but its full shape and naturalistic branches convey a festive touch to small room and spaces . We test the smallest tree of this type , but several other height are useable up to 9 feet .
Assembly was speedy and prosperous — it took about 20 minute from unboxing to totally fluffed and ready for ornaments . The little artificial Christmas tree came in just two discussion section and had its own stand that held it firmly . The leg section fold up down nicely , and it take away only a bit of tweak to achieve a filled - out effect . We liked the hard exclusive outgrowth at the top , hardy enough to support a decorative topper . The branch top are warm enough to apply small to medium - size ornament .
Photo: Amazon
The 4 - metrical unit tree comes with 200 affectionate LED lights , which average out 50 lights per fundament of tree . That ’s enough to create a subtle lambency without whelm the room . This is a nifty little tree for an accent board , bedroom corner , or as a centerpiece on a large banquet tabular array .
Get the National Tree Company Dunhill fir ( various sizes ) atNational Tree CompanyorWayfair .
More Trees We Love
Over the past few years , we ’ve tested more than two XII kinds of Christmas Tree , and many are still best seller . If you have n’t yet found that pure tree , here are some of the ones we test and still love . You wo n’t go wrong with one of these .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Artificial Christmas Trees
In curating the list of tree to essay , we considered brand to some extent — manufacturers such as National Tree Company , Puleo International , and Balsam Hill have earned reputations for producing a variety of in high spirits - quality Tree . Still , we did n’t automatically eliminate contrived Tree from lesser - sleep together or niche companies if they were made from quality textile and give away highly by consumer .
Our handwriting - on testing started with inspecting the tree . Then , we set up each tree step by tone , join light strands if the tree came prelit , and blow the outgrowth tips to give the tree a instinctive expression .
Aesthetics was a top consideration when fink the trees — after all , buyers are look for a beautiful tree that looks like a genuine tree .
Photo: Wayfair
Throughout thetesting process , we used a rubric and present point based on how well we felt the tree came together , how well the offset bear out the ornaments , and how the tree diagram looked when it was fully foregather . The better a tree performed on a specific test , the more point it received . When testing was complete — and the trees were decorated — we totaled the stage and used them to aid determine the class and laurels for each tree .
What to Consider When Choosing an Artificial Christmas Tree
When consideringhow to beak a Christmas Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , it ’s easy to assume they all offer similar operation , but a number of factor affect their functionality . Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choose the most naturalistic artificial tree for your house .
When asked why her family buy a faux tree diagram after years of having real trees , Jasmine Roth says , “ We normally leave at Christmas and do n’t come home until New Year ’s . Having a fake tree give us public security of head that our house is secure and fire - free while on holiday . ” She adds , “ It ’s also a stack easy to put forth when the vacation are over . ”
If you ’re not into the artificial tree look , consideralternative tree options , such as putting ornaments on a potted plant or creating a tree silhouette on a wall .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Size and Shape
Artificial Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree amount in a wide range of sizes , from petite tabletop models to towering options for menage with high ceiling . mensurate the space before buy a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree to set up the right size of it for your abode . Because the standard ceiling height in the United States is 8 feet , the most pop tree sizing is 7.5 feet . contrived Tree also vary in shape . improbable , thin tree typically cultivate best for small space , while fuller Tree often have a more naturalistic show .
Style and Material
apparently endless option are useable with regard to elan and embodiment . Most trees are designed to copy the looking of certainChristmas Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree type , such as a substantial evergreen tree diagram like a puritanical spruce , balsam fir , Douglas fir , or Fraser fir tree . Material is the main consideration when manufacturers are constructing a convincing - bet artificial Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . To get an artificial tree you really sleep with , Roth suggests sticking to a species you ’re intimate with . “ Doug fir is the most coarse , ” she says , and she advises purchase the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree from a well - sleep with ship’s company that offers a unattackable warranty .
They may front like formative Christmas trees , but there are two main material used to make the false needles : PE and PVC . For both lineament and Platonism , PE is the better pick , but trees made in the main with PE typically have a higher price point . Even in higher - end trees , PVC is often used to craft the inside branch that are n’t as visible .
Lights
One of the primary advantages of artificial tree diagram is that many of them get along prelit , keep the installation of a drawing string of lights . Most of thebest Christmas lightsuse vigour - efficient LED bulbs , which last for months or eld before need to be replaced . Roth is a fan of prelit tree : “ If it comes prelit , the brightness are even , and you usually see few wires than you would with a real tree . ”
When rat for an artificial Christmas tree with light , seem for a tree with at least 100 light per foot of height — that ’s the minimum standard for a festive tree . And consider the color of the lights ; unclouded white light create a superb issue , while warm white is often considered more welcoming . Other kindling effects include multicolor light and , depending on the tree diagram , may have twinkling effects . Somelighted artificial Christmas treescome with remote control .
Ease of Assembly and Disassembly
The big the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , the more challenging it can be to put together , due primarily to the contribute weight of the sections and the height . ( TheBalsam Hill Flip Tree , show above , is a celebrated exclusion . ) . apply a sturdy step stool or step ladder when necessary to assemble the upper sections of the tree .
Most of today ’s tree come in realizable sections and have a metal base contrive to fend for the tree ’s weight without tilting . Often , the manufacturer will mark the department , create it easier to assemble them in the right ordering . If the plane section are n’t labeled , close out the bottom ring of branches and quantify the diam — the section with the big diameter will go on the bottom , and so on . Adjusting the tightening bolt in the point of view may be necessary to get the tree perfectly upright , especially if you ’re using one of thebest rotate Christmas tree diagram stands . It ’s usually a good theme to get the scurvy plane section directly and vertical before append another section .
Prelit trees will have fire hydrant at the bottom and top of each connect plane section where the lights ’ twine connect . Plug these in when installing each section before add together thebest Christmas decorationsto the tree .
Photo: Beth Cranston for Bob Vila
The next step is fluffing , which is vital to make the tree look its best . See how to fluff a tree in the FAQ section below .
Taking down the Christmas treerequires a bare volte-face of the frame-up outgrowth . After removing all ornament , unplug abstemious strand between sections and then remove the sections one at a time , start out at the top . Two people may require to do this job : one to take for the small part of the tree diagram in spot while the other rive the upper section out .
Environmental Impact
Choosing an artificial tree prevents a real tree from being reap . tree better air calibre by trickle out pollutants and carbon copy dioxide while bring out oxygen into the tune . aliveness Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree also offer a home ground for wildlife , admit birds and small animals .
Those eco - well-disposed benefit cancel but do n’t eliminate a few trouble with artificial tree , such as potentially hold back PVC , which is n’t biodegradable . The production of artificial trees may also affect the use of toxic chemical .
For the most sustainable result , consider investing in a caliber artificial tree that will last for many years . Or go with an eco - favorable alternative , such as decorating a potted Norfolk pine , for aliving tree option .
Photo: Beth Cranston for Bob Vila
FAQs
While you know more about your option , there may be a few mill about questions about how to use them . Here are result to some of the most ofttimes asked enquiry .
While some little trees come preassembled , most are shipped in multiple segment for well-situated store .
The most effective agency is to fluff the branches while you assemble the tree diagram . begin at the interior of the lowest arm ( those nearest the trunk ) and fold the branch tips outward uniformly . Fluff each layer of limb whole before incite on to the next level . The event is a downlike Christmas tree diagram .
Photo: Beth Cranston for Bob Vila
process from top to bottom , sprinkle the branch using a soft - bristled brush or microfiber cloth .
Lewis Puleo , frailty president ofPuleo International , a mob - owned Christmas tree company , suggest place in aChristmas tree diagram storage bagand then stow the tree in a dry place if potential .
Take time to fluff up the arm on a synthetic Christmass tree to make it come along fuller . More ribbon make a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree look more naturalistic , so feel loose to go all out with trinket and decoration .
They last an norm of 6 to 10 years , although the best quality artificial Christmas Day trees may last longer .
Meet the Testers
The Bob Vila test team is made up of contractors , remodelers , house design partisan , and freelancers from across the nation . Each appendage is dedicated to delivering high - quality product information to our reader so they can browse with authority , knowing the products they purchase have been in full tested and vetted . Beth Cranston , Stephanie Cronk , Kathleen Corlett , Austin Fracchia , Becky Helzer , Michelle Larson , Glenda Taylor , andMark Wolfetested hokey Christmas trees .
Additional enquiry furnish by Savannah Sher .
Everything You take for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
continue your grass unripe and your flora thriving does n’t just take a unripe thumb — it start with the right putz and supplies .
Photo: Austin Fracchia for Bob Vila
Photo: Beth Cranston
