You Won't Believe The Realistic Look of These 9 Artificial Christmas Trees (2024)

What We Like

  • Varied needles give a full look

  • Easy to assemble and take down

  • Don't need gloves to assemble

  • Can assemble with one person

What We Don't Like

  • Lights don't extend to the end of the branches

  • No variations of lights

After a full day of testing, the Puleo International Teton Pine Artificial Christmas Tree was a clear winner. With its classic appeal, this 7.5-foot pre-lit tree received high scores across all categories—including the incredibly important appearance category.

The branches on this option vary in size and shape, giving it a full appearance that rivals a natural tree. And unlike other artificial trees, the "needles" also felt soft while assembling, eliminating the need for gloves. We found that you only need one person, and assembly took about 17 minutes, which we love. When it came to the trees we tested, the fastest assembly time was around 7 minutes, while others took over 45 minutes with multiple people.

The base and tree stand were both simple to assemble and felt sturdy enough to handle heavier ornaments and lush garlands. Disassembling and storing the tree was even easier, only taking about five minutes with no visible damage or bulging on the included box.

One downside of this tree is that the lighting does not reach the bottom branches in the area closest to the trunk. In addition, all the lights are white without the choice of variation. That being said, it's easy to wrap around another string of your favorite colored lights for a different look each holiday season. Plus, it should be easy to locate and fix specific broken bulbs. When one light is out, only a small section is impacted so it would be easy to troubleshoot the missing bulb.

Height: 7.5 feet | Base Diameter: 52 inches | Lights: Yes

Tip from The Lab

One thing we noted during testing was that it is easier to fluff the tree gradually as each piece is assembled, rather than waiting until the end of the process. While some instruction sets suggest this method, others do not provide such guidance. This approach not only saves time but also enhances the overall appearance of the tree, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing final product.

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What We Like

  • Slim profile

  • Easy to assemble and disassemble

  • Different light settings with foot pedal

What We Don't Like

  • Smaller than other options

If you think holiday decor has to be expensive, allow us to introduce you to this slim artificial tree from Treetopia. The budget-friendly design is an easy way to bring holiday cheer into your home without breaking the bank.

One of the most noticeable aspects of the tree is how simple it was to assemble and disassemble—we put it together in under 10 minutes and stored it in its original box in under three minutes. The 250 lights come pre-strung and include a foot pedal to turn them on and off easily. There are eight different light functions to choose from to create different looks with just one tree.

The lightweight tree, which was a foot shorter than most of the trees we tested, would also be great for entryways and smaller rooms. The pencil shape adds a bit more interest than the classic Christmas tree shape, and this pick feels sturdy enough to support intricate decorations.

Height: 6 feet | Base Diameter: 28 inches | Lights: No

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What We Don't Like

  • Very heavy and bulky

  • Need three or more people to assemble and disassemble

One of the best parts about artificial Christmas trees is that you can find options that look and feel just like the real thing. Take Balsam Hill's Vermont White Spruce, which earned a perfect score for its realistic appearance. Balsam Hill models its artificial trees after nature with True Needle technology for optimal realism and fullness. Exclusive to Balsam Hill, True Needle technology uses injection-molded PE plastic, mimicking the structure, texture, and color of real needles on an evergreen tree. These needles also feature color variations to make them look more realistic, rather than the entire tree appearing one color.

Regarding both assembly and disassembly, we found it helpful to have another person on hand as the pieces are somewhat heavy. We found that one person should align the sections (there are helpful arrows on the sections), and the other should insert the pieces. Still, we thought the instructions were thorough and helpful, but the heaviness of the tree made it difficult to assemble and disassemble without help.

The size and weight of this pick definitely make it more difficult to assemble, but it also contributes to the tree's lush, realistic appearance. We tested the 7.5-foot option, but it comes in five other sizes to fit any room or space. Plus, there's an option to upgrade to Twinkly smart lights for an additional price, so you can create beautiful light shows in your living room with just your smartphone.

Height: 7.5 feet | Base Diameter: 63 inches | Lights: Yes

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What We Like

  • Pre-lit

  • Stable branches for ornaments

  • Two different light styles

What We Don't Like

  • Heavy pieces make disassembling difficult

With Vickerman's Flocked Alaskan Pine Artificial Christmas Tree, you get a realistic snow-covered look that’ll make your home a winter wonderland. Assembly and disassembly both received high scores, as we found it easy to lift each piece out of the box and put it back in the box for storage. We love that there are no complicated wires to connect, so it took less than 15 minutes to complete. Just note that disassembling can be a bit difficult, mostly due to the tree's heavy weight.

Once set up, we loved the frosted look that brings a bit of snow into your home, even if you live in a warmer climate. Another plus of this pick is the different light shapes and sizes included. The 800 bright clear lights are broken up by 45 larger bulbs that look make this tree look gorgeous without any ornaments. But, you'll be pleased to know that we found the branches extremely sturdy and able to support heavy ornaments with ease. As we were placing the ornaments, the tree did not sway much or shake.

Height: 7.5 feet | Base Diameter: 68 inches | Lights: Yes

What is flocking?

Flocking refers to artificial snow, which is a popular decorative element sometimes added to trees to create the look of a winter scene in your home. While there are options out there that are pre-flocked for your convenience, you can purchase faux snow separately to create a custom look on your tree.

Lifelike trees buyer at English Gardens, Dean Darin shares that flocking can lead to yellowing when placed in direct sunlight, so be sure to pick a shady spot for your flocked tree. Also, flocking can be quite messy!

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What We Like

  • Remains stable even with topper

  • Sturdy branches for ornaments

  • Quick assembly and disassembly

What We Don't Like

  • Not the most realistic

If you’re looking for a more minimal tree that you can make your own, the National Tree Company Artificial Slim Christmas Tree is a great option. This simple tree is free of any lighting or decor, so you can decorate it with your own style—and even change it up year after year.

Assembly for this tree was quick (less than seven minutes) and only required one person. The sections were far lighter in weight than other options, and the branches were easy to pull apart for intuitive and quick fluffing. Disassembly was even easier, with no instructions needed. The tree compresses easily and fits well into its storage box.

This tree's slim appearance is ideal for tight corners and small spaces but lends it a slightly less realistic appearance. The tree still feels sturdy enough to handle ornaments and tree toppers, so it's perfect for those looking to get fancy with decorations.

Height: 7.5 feet | Base Diameter: 30 inches | Lights: No

Tip from The Lab

Think you’ll miss the smell of a real tree when you switch to an artificial one? Try burning a holiday-scented candle (lit far away from the faux tree) for a real-life smell. Two of our favorites are Brooklyn Candle Studio's Montana Forest Minimalist Candle and Thymes' Frasier Fir Pine Needle Candle, which one of our editors re-buys every year for the holiday season.

What We Like

  • Less than 6 minutes to disassemble

  • Stable and sturdy

What We Don't Like

  • Takes a lot of fluffing to perfect

If you're looking to decorate a big room with high ceilings, consider a tree with a tall option like this spruce option from Best Choice Products. Our lab tested the 7.5-foot version, which is a pretty standard height for artificial trees, but it also comes in a 9-foot option for those looking for something a bit taller.

Set-up took less than 13 minutes, thanks to the helpful instructions. It definitely takes a long time to perfect this tree by pushing down and fluffing all of the branches for a full appearance. If you don't have 45 minutes to spare, which is what the packaging recommends, expect a bit of the trunk to show, but with lights and decor, you won't even notice.

We ended up spending 12 minutes fluffing this tree, which definitely wasn’t enough time to make it look perfect, but an average fluff time during this test. This tree comes unlit, so you have free range to decorate this pick any way you wish. Disassembly took less than five minutes, so storing this tree to prepare for next year is a breeze. While it's not extremely realistic looking, it comes at a budget-friendly price, and the stable tree ensures you can use it again and again.

Price at time of publish: $180 for 7.5 feet

Height: 4, 6, 7.5, 9 feet | Base Diameter: 52 inches | Lights: No

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What We Like

  • Comes with protective gloves and storage bag

  • Easy to assemble

  • Realistic branches and needles

What We Don't Like

  • Difficult and time-consuming to fluff

Calling all maximalist holiday decorators! If white lights aren't enough for your Christmas living room setup, you need this Brewer Spruce artificial tree we at-home tested from Balsam Hill. Available in two sizes—7.5 and 9 feet—the tree comes strung with over 1,000 colorful lights guaranteed to make a statement.

With the Color + Clear LED Lights, you can choose between clear, multicolor, or a mix of the two with the included remote control for a custom decorating experience that can change day to day. Designed with thousands of True Needle foliage, this tree resembles a real spruce tree, with the needle tips fanning in different directions for optimal ornament holding.

This tree arrives in sections with ribbons keeping the branches together which aids in assembly, with the lights plugging into each other and then into an outlet to turn on. We love that Balsam Hill provides protective gloves to wear when shaping and fluffing your tree, which can take a while (about 20 minutes for us) but is definitely worth the time. The end result was extremely full and realistic.

You also receive extra bulbs and fuses in case they go out and a storage bag for storing during the off-season. We found that you didn't have to de-fluff the branches to fit the tree's sections easily into the bag, which was a relief. If something really goes wrong, Balsam Hill provides a 3-year limited warranty, so you can be sure you'll be using this tree again and again for years, which helps justify the high price tag.

Height: 7.5 or 9 feet | Base Diameter: 61 or 68 inches | Lights: Yes

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What We Like

  • Available in six sizes

  • Can hold heavy ornaments

  • Pre-lit with white lights

  • Budget-friendly

What We Don't Like

  • Takes a while to fluff

If you’redecorating a smaller spaceor want a tree with a slimmer profile, consider Joss & Main's Slender Green Realistic Artificial Fir Christmas Tree. It comes in six sizes from 4.5 feet to 12 feet so high ceilings are no issue, truly making this a small-space-friendly tree that's equally beautiful in larger spaces as well. The widest diameter for the popular 7.5-foot option reaches just 44 inches, so it's great to nestle into corners and tight spaces.

The flame-retardant tree features realistic PVC branches, but they definitely need a bit of fluffing when first set up. Be sure to put some time aside to make this tree look beautiful, but luckily assembly is quite quick and easy otherwise. This pick arrives in four sections labeled A-D that fit together easily, while the string lights simply plug into the wall and you're ready to fluff.

What's more, this tree comes with hundreds of lights already strung (500 for the 7.5-foot option), so decorating is a breeze. The lights come in a soft white color that can be jazzed up with other decorations. We also love the comparatively budget-friendly price for those who want the look and feel of a lit, decorated Christmas tree but without the space or budget for something grandiose.

Height: 4.5, 6.5, 7.5, 9, 10, or 12 feet | Base Diameter: 30, 40, 44, 49, 53, or 61 inches | Lights: Yes

What We Like

  • Realistic appearance

  • Sturdy for heavy ornaments

  • Comes with storage bags

  • Multiple size and lighting options

What We Don't Like

  • Need multiple people to assemble and disassemble

  • Takes up a lot of space in storage

Don't settle on the height or light features you want on your perfect artificial tree with this option from Balsam Hill that lets you customize these features to fit your space and your preferences. We tested the 7.5-foot Fraser Fir Tree, but there are six size options available, ranging from 5.5 to 12 feet. We found that the setup took about 20 minutes, but we recommend getting a friend to help you out, especially if you're working with a larger tree because the sections can be quite heavy.

Once assembled, the tree looked extremely realistic, even up close, and was easy to fluff to our liking. The branches felt sturdy for heavy ornaments but thinned out a bit towards the end of the branch tips. We love the multiple light options available. Choose from candlelight clear (a warm white), clear, color and clear, multicolored, unlit, or smart Twinkly-brand lights that let you further customize your lighting colors and effects.

One thing to note is that the tree comes with a storage bag, however, depending on the size you choose, it can take up a lot of space when storing. Therefore, make sure you allocate a corner of your attic or basement for your tree.

We tested this tree for three years in our own home and were impressed by the quality over time. Even with intervention from a 15-pound cat who likes to pounce on the branches, the branches remain sturdy and attractive with a bit of extra shaping and fixing and only one small branch tip has fallen off through the years. Not a single ornament has fallen off, proving the branch's strength and high quality. We also find it consistently easy to set up even after years of assembling and disassembling. The pre-strung lights continue to impress us, automatically turning on after snapping the sections together for an instantly beautiful tree.

Height: 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 9, 10, or 12 feet | Base Diameter: 44, 54, or 60, 64, 68, 69 inches | Lights: Yes

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Final Verdict

Out of all of the trees we tested, our favorite was the Puleo International 7.5 Pre-Lit Teton Pine Artificial Christmas Tree, which impressed us with its realistic needles and quick assembly time. If you’re looking for a simpler tree for your home, we like the National Tree Company Artificial Slim Christmas Tree as our best unlit pick. Its slim design makes it the best choice for smaller spaces, and it comes without built-in lights to keep the price lower.

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How We Tested the Artificial Christmas Trees

To make this list, members of The Spruce’s editorial team tested 36 artificial Christmas trees atThe Labon a variety of factors.

  • Ease of Assembly and Disassembly: To test the ease of assembly and disassembly, we timed how long it took to set up and store each tree and noted everything from the quality of the instructions to how heavy the pieces felt.
  • Appearance: When considering appearance, we judged the quality of the needles, lights, branches, and trunk to determine if the tree had a lifelike quality and feel. We took notes of the amount of fluffing each one took to look full and beautiful.
  • Sturdiness: Finally, we used weighted ornaments to determine how strong the branches felt and whether the tree as a whole felt stable enough to hold the ornaments. We noted any shakiness in the trunk or if the tree was leaning to one side.
  • Long-Term Testing: Two of the trees were also at-home tested by our editors, who performed the same tests over the course of three months and three years and evaluated the same attributes.
  • Overall Value: After testing each tree, we compared it to some of our favorite trees we've tested, determining if the price is justified. We believe every tree included here is worth the buy.

We then selected our top ten trees, based on our own testing results and market research.

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Watch Behind-the-Scenes Action From Our Artificial Christmas Trees Testing

What to Look For in an Artificial Christmas Tree

Size

On average, Christmas trees are about 7.5 feet tall. Though many will have a traditional, full look, there are also slim options out there if you’re working with limited floor space. "The standard width is about 48 to 54 inches,” says Dean Darin, lifelike trees buyer at English Gardens.

No matter how much space you have in your home, there's guaranteed to be a tree that's the right size for you. For taller ceilings and larger rooms, our best tall tree, the Best Choice Products Premium Spruce Artificial Holiday Christmas Tree has a 9-foot option, while our best budget option, the Treetopia Artificial Pencil Christmas Tree stands at just 6 feet tall and has a slim appearance to fit in tight space and corners.

Ease of Assembly

Christmas trees typically come in three sections that lock into each other, making them easy to assemble. When choosing a tree, however, check the weight of the tree—if it’s on the heavier side, it may require at least two people and more time to put it together.

The average setup time for the nine trees we tested was about 16 minutes, with none taking more than 21 minutes. The outlier is the National Tree Company Artificial Kingswood Fir Slim Christmas Tree, our best unlit pick, which took less than seven minutes to assemble, so it's a great option for busy families without ample time to decorate.

Lighting can also be a tricky part of the assembly. While some options have to be plugged into an outlet, many require you to connect multiple plugs throughout the tree, a process that may lengthen assembly time.

You also need to factor in the time you’ll spend making the branches look full and minimizing gaps. In our testing, we found this to be time-consuming. However, some trees, like our best overall, the Puleo International 7.5 Pre-Lit Teton Pine Artificial Christmas Tree, made the process easier and more comfortable than others. The branches were soft and easy to maneuver, which eliminated the need for gloves. The same can't be said for other trees we tested, so when in doubt, keep a long-sleeved shirt and a pair of gardening gloves nearby.

Lighting

Some trees will offer a simple warm white light with one setting, while others include both white and multicolor lighting with an assortment of settings.Michelle Essix, owner and executive designer at home decor company SwayM.E. Vegas' philosophy is the more lights, the better. "Buying a pre-lit tree that has both colored lights and white lights allows for more versatility in design.” Multicolor lights seen on the Balsam Hill Brewer Spruce, our best multicolor pick, allow this unmatched customizable experience that lets you change your decor with the touch of a button.

Some trees allow you to add smart lights which further increases the options for personalization, whether you’re creating light shows or choosing from hundreds of colors to find the perfect hue.

“Current trees are so advanced that when adding each piece on, it automatically connects the lights so that you are not searching for plugs. It really makes the tree sparkle," Essix continues. Others include foot pedals that make it easy to turn your lights on and off hands-free. Pay attention to the length of the lights and cords when shopping. This will determine how close you’ll need to place your tree to an outlet and a short cord can be limiting.

If lighting is a must-have on your wish list, it may be helpful to pay attention to the light counts of each tree. The more lights, the more bright your tree will be. More lights often make your tree look fuller, which can be helpful for sparse or hard-to-fluff options.

Taking the average of each 7.5-foot lit option on this list, we found 850 lights to be standard, with Balsam Hill trees being the outlier with over 1,000 trees on both picks from the brand, the Brewer Spruce (best multicolor) and the Vermont White Spruce (best realistic). Just note that you can always add an extra string of lights to your trees to fit your taste.

Tip from The Lab

We tested a set of twinkly lights when testing indoor Christmas lights and loved the lighting effects available on the compatible smartphone app. Add these smart lights to any artificial tree on this list for an upgraded design experience.

Style

Most artificial Christmas trees are designed to resemble a certain style of a real tree to look as realistic as possible. Odds are, the style of the real tree you like the best will be the artificial tree style you gravitate towards. Some popular styles include Balsam fir, Douglas fir, and Spruce. When it comes to real trees, Douglas firs are often very dense, which can make decorating difficult, which is why most people prefer Balsam firs.

Spruce trees, like the Balsam Hill Vermont White Spruce, our best realistic tree, have sharp, thin needles that may break off easily on a traditional tree, but you won't have this problem with an artificial one. While these styles may vary slightly, they all provide the traditional Christmas tree shape most people associate with the holiday. However, those used to buying real Christmas trees may appreciate the variation in styles to ensure realism in their decorating.

Extra Features

Some trees may have additional features that suit your style. For example, if a tree has lighting, it may also include an on/off foot pedal that makes it easy to control. Other trees may be pre-decorated with ornaments or faux snow for a winter look, like our favorite flocked tree, the Vickerman 7.5' Flocked Alaskan Pine Artificial Christmas Tree. All of these upgrades can add to the cost of the tree, so it may not be worth it to you to add them.

FAQ

  • How do you store an artificial Christmas tree?

    Darin advises storing the tree in a cool location, like the basement."An attic or garage usually is too hot and the tree needles will start to get deformed in the heat," he says.

    After you disassemble the tree, you’ll want to press the branches together in each section so they become compact enough to fit back into the box it came in. To make it easier, you can purchase ribbons or ropes to hold the branches in place.

    Some trees may come with a storage bag, but we found that the loose structure of a bag can take up a bit more space versus when the tree is stored in a box.

  • Can you recycle artificial Christmas trees?

    Artificial Christmas trees unfortunately cannot be recycled because they are made of PVC plastics. There are some specialty recycling organizations that will take them and repurpose the materials. Your municipality may also offer curbside services to remove your tree, but it will be destined for the landfill. Another option is to donate your former tree to local charities, hospitals, or thrift stores.

  • Can you shorten an artficial Christmas tree?

    It's not advisable to try to shorten your artificial Christmas tree. Unlike real trees, artificial trees are not designed to be resized once brought into the home. Many of the trees on this list offer more than one size. We recommend measuring your ceiling height before you purchase your tree, calculating about twelve inches from the top of the tree to account for a standard Christmas tree topper, and finally, thinking outside the box when it comes to decorating.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Julia Fields an associate editor for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before testing, we searched through hundreds of artificial Christmas tree options, looking at customer satisfaction, price, and features to determine which trees we would choose to put to the test. We then used testing insights and market research to pick our 11 favorites.

Our Experts:

  • Michelle Essix, owner and executive designer at home decor company SwayM.E. Vegas
  • Dean Darin, lifelike trees buyer at English Gardens
  • Daniela Galvez, senior editor at The Spruce and product tester
You Won't Believe The Realistic Look of These 9 Artificial Christmas Trees (2024)

FAQs

What type of artificial Christmas tree is most realistic? ›

Best Realistic

Take Balsam Hill's Vermont White Spruce, which earned a perfect score for its realistic appearance. Balsam Hill models its artificial trees after nature with True Needle technology for optimal realism and fullness.

Is it true that real Christmas trees are biodegradable which means they can be easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes? ›

Real Christmas Trees Are Recyclable

Real Christmas Trees are biodegradable, which means they can be easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes. Learn about the many ways that Real Christmas Trees are being recycled and reused in communities nationwide.

Do people prefer real or fake Christmas trees? ›

Between 25-30 million real, natural trees are sold each year, but artificial trees—factory made rather than earth grown—are becoming ever more popular. Approximately 75% of Americans who have a tree now have an artificial one.

Which Balsam Hill tree looks the most realistic? ›

If you want the most realistic tree, our BH Fraser Fir and BH Balsam Fir are often highly praised for their lifelike appearance. If you're looking for the easiest tree to set up and store, our Flip Trees are your best option.

How do I find a good fake Christmas tree? ›

When shopping for an artificial Christmas tree, it's important to keep the available space in mind. Choose a tree that fits your needs in terms of size, shape, style, color, and material. Make sure to select a well-made and durable tree so you can enjoy it for many seasons to come.

How much should you spend on an artificial Christmas tree? ›

And I think that's largely driven by fuel prices." The American Christmas Tree Association says trees can cost anywhere from $25 to $2,500, with the average price of a six-foot fresh tree at around $80. The same size averages $100 for an artificial tree.

What's the best real Christmas tree to buy? ›

A Norway Spruce Christmas tree, with lush dark green needles and a classic pyramid shape, is the quintessential Christmas tree. You cannot go wrong with this real Christmas tree this year. The Norway Spruce has a certain charm, with its strong Christmas tree scent and full branches.

How long does an artificial Christmas tree last? ›

Artificial trees last an estimated six to 10 years, but Hoeg says their lifespan depends on the quality of the tree, along with factors like how well you take care of it (keeping it out of sunlight; properly cleaning and storing it) and whether it comes outfitted with lights (which may eventually stop working).

How many fake trees end up at landfills? ›

While there is no set day for when you should take your tree down, there are suggested ways and methods for how you should dispose of it. An estimated 10 million artificial Christmas trees end up in landfills each year.

Are fake Christmas trees toxic? ›

Like many consumer products, artificial trees are often made with a type of plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC releases gases into the air that can cause dizziness and irritation to the eyes, nose, and lungs.

Why not to get a fake Christmas tree? ›

In the U.S., around 10 million artificial trees are purchased each season. Nearly 90% of them are shipped across the world from China, resulting in an increase of carbon emissions and resources. And because of the material they are made of, most artificial trees are not recyclable and end up in local landfills.

Are people still buying real Christmas trees? ›

A third (33%) of consumers bought their real trees from a Christmas tree farm in 2022. And more than a third (37%) say that's where they plan to go this year. The second most-popular destination in 2022 was a seasonal Christmas tree lot (23%).

What are the cons of fake Christmas trees? ›

They end up in landfills

One of the biggest drawbacks of artificial trees is their eventual fate in landfills. Since fake Christmas trees contain non-biodegradable materials, they often pose environmental concerns. Manufacturers don't have recycling programs, so people just throw their trees away.

How do I choose a realistic Christmas tree? ›

For realistic trees, choose one with a higher "tip count," which means more branches per section. This will give the tree a fuller and more natural appearance. Also, consider the material of the needles, as higher-quality trees will have hands that feel more authentic and lifelike.

What makes an artificial Christmas tree look real? ›

Beyond the colour variation of individual needles, the branches have lifelike pigments, too. And, to achieve the fullness of real ones, classic PVC needles supplement the True Needle branches of our real-looking Christmas trees.

What is the best material for an artificial Christmas tree? ›

PE and PVC are the two most common types of materials used for creating traditional and realistic artificial Christmas trees. Traditional trees feature soft, bristle-like tips made from durable PVC for a timeless look. They are designed to resemble evergreen trees but are not very realistic.

What is special about Balsam Hill trees? ›

When you buy from Balsam Hill, you can be assured that your tree has been hand-crafted with care to ensure quality and longevity. Our artisan-designed trees have a multitude of branches, branch tips, and lights that create a rich, full look for your Christmas tree.

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