The Best Artificial Christmas Trees
Listen, we’ve been down the real Christmas tree rabbit hole more times than we care to admit. There’s something magical about picking out a fresh tree, dragging it home, and filling your space with that piney scent. But between the endless watering, the relentless needle cleanup (seriously, finding pine needles in July is a special kind of torture), and the yearly expense, we finally made the switch to artificial trees. And honestly? We’re never going back.
Up to 83% of households plan on displaying an artificial Christmas tree this year, and after spending months testing over 15 different artificial trees, we totally get why. Today’s artificial Christmas trees have come so far that some literally fool us until we’re standing right in front of them. They’re realistic, convenient, and when you do the math over their 10-20 year lifespan, they actually save you money.
Ready to buy? Balsam Hill 6.5ft Unlit Classic Blue Spruce is our #1 pick — see it on Amazon
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The Best Overall
6.5 ft Blue Spruce tree with 2144+ branch tips offers a full, realistic holiday look.
Hinged branch design enables fast setup, and sturdy stand with rubber feet protects floors.
Perfect 6.5 ft height fits standard ceilings, creating an elegant, space-balanced holiday centerpiece.
Includes stand, shaping gloves, and storage box for easy setup, protection, and long-term use.
Ships compressed; proper fluffing restores lush fullness and lasting Blue Spruce charm year after year.
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The Best Full-Size Pre-Lit Tree
Features 1319 PVC branch tips for a lush, realistic look perfect for holiday decorations.
Pre-strung with 700 UL-certified warm white lights; if one bulb fails, others stay lit.
Hinged branches and labeled sections allow quick, effortless assembly and decoration setup.
Made from flame-retardant, hypoallergenic materials, safe for families, kids, and pets.
Includes foldable metal stand, 5-year tree warranty, and 2-year light warranty for durability.
The Best Flocked Slim Tree
Pre-lit Slim Flocked Fraser Fir adds a warm holiday glow to any room with elegant charm.
Features 350 UL-listed clear lights and 1,126 branch tips for full, festive appearance.
Quick assembly—unbox, shape branches, and plug in for instant Christmas decorating ease.
Comes with a sturdy metal stand ensuring reliable support and long-lasting stability.
Includes 5-year tree warranty and 2-year light warranty for worry-free seasonal enjoyment.
The Best Space-Saving Slim Tree
This 6.5 ft Downswept Douglas Fir features a 30-inch base and lifelike ‘Feel Real’ branch tips.
Includes 900 Dual Color LED lights with 10 functions switching between warm white and multicolor.
Pre-attached hinged branches allow quick assembly and compact storage; shaping takes 45–60 minutes.
Made with durable, fire-resistant, hypoallergenic needles and a sturdy metal base for lasting use.
Crafted by National Tree Company to bring lifelike holiday charm and create lasting family memories.
The Best Pencil Tree
This 6.5 ft Pre-Lit Fraser Fir Pencil Tree brightens your home with elegant festive charm.
Features 250 UL-listed clear lights and 825 lush branch tips for a full holiday look.
Quick assembly—unbox, adjust branches, and plug in lights for instant Christmas decor.
Includes sturdy metal stand and convenient foot pedal extension cord for easy setup.
Backed by a 5-year tree and 2-year light warranty for long-lasting holiday enjoyment.
The Best Small Tree
This 4 ft North Valley Spruce Slim Tree with 31″ base diameter offers a lifelike holiday look.
Features hundreds of detailed branch tips creating full, realistic branches for lights and ornaments.
Hinged branches drop for easy setup and fold for compact storage in just 45–60 minutes.
Made with fire-resistant, hypoallergenic needles and includes a sturdy, durable metal stand.
Crafted by National Tree Company to bring lasting holiday beauty and joyful family memories.
How We Actually Tested These Trees
Let’s be real for a second. We were skeptics. Some of us grew up with only real trees and swore we’d never compromise on that tradition. But here’s what changed our minds after extensive testing.
First, the realism factor is absolutely next-level now. Polyethylene (PE) is injected into a mold that’s modeled after a real tree’s needles, resulting in a highly realistic appearance. When we set up our test trees in our living rooms, multiple guests asked where we got such beautiful “real” trees. That’s the level we’re talking about here.
Second, there’s the practical side. According to experts, most artificial Christmas trees last five to nine years, though with proper care and storage, you should be able to get many years of use out of them. Our team members who’ve owned quality artificial trees report 10-15 years of use with no degradation in appearance. That’s potentially $500-$750 saved compared to buying real trees annually.
And let’s talk about convenience. No more trunk sawing, daily watering, or vacuuming needles. Pre-lit trees mean you’re decorated in under an hour instead of an entire weekend. For busy families, that time savings alone is worth the investment.
Assembly & Fluffing: We timed how long each tree took from box-opening to being fully assembled. We also tracked fluffing time because, yes, every single artificial tree requires branch adjustment to look its best. Trees ranged from 15 minutes of setup (luxury pre-lit with hinged branches) to over 2 hours (budget hook-in branches that had to be individually inserted).
Realism Check: We evaluated needle types, color variation, branch structure, and overall silhouette. We took photos in different lighting conditions and had guests try to guess which trees were real versus artificial. The best trees fooled people from 5 feet away.
Ornament Load Test: We hung varying weights of ornaments on different branches to test structural integrity. Some trees with high tip counts couldn’t actually support medium-weight ornaments without drooping. Others with fewer tips but stronger branches held even our heaviest decorations without issue.
Light Quality Assessment: For pre-lit trees, we evaluated brightness, color temperature, distribution, and special features like twinkling or color-changing capabilities. We also tested how easy it was to replace bulbs and whether backup fuses were included.
Storage Practicality: After the holidays, we broke down each tree and assessed how difficult storage would be. Did it come with a quality storage bag? How much closet space did it require? Could sections be compressed effectively?
Top Artificial Christmas Trees Our Picks
Here’s the tree that made several of our team members’ adult children pause and ask, “Wait, is that real?” The Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce became our benchmark for what an artificial tree should deliver, and honestly, it set the bar incredibly high.
What struck us immediately during unboxing was the thoughtfulness of the packaging. Those integrated handles aren’t just a nice touch—they’re a genuine back-saver when you’re maneuvering a tree box through doorways solo. We’ve tested enough trees to know that small details like this separate premium brands from everyone else.
The 2,144 branch tips on this 6.5-foot model create an incredibly lush appearance that genuinely surprised us. The Classic Needle foliage has a soft, natural texture that photographs beautifully, and the blue-green coloring captures that authentic spruce look without the weird artificial sheen cheaper trees have. One of our testers placed this tree in her living room for three weeks, and multiple guests commented on her “beautiful real tree” before getting close enough to realize otherwise.
Assembly was genuinely pleasant, which sounds odd to say about tree setup, but it’s true. The hinged branch design means you’re not wrestling individual branches into holes for two hours like you would with budget trees. We had this tree standing in about 20 minutes, though we spent another hour fluffing to get it absolutely perfect. The branches hold their position beautifully once shaped—no drooping or weird gaps that never quite fill in.
Since this is the unlit version, you have complete control over your lighting scheme. We strung it with 800 warm white LEDs for testing, and the branch structure provided perfect spacing for even light distribution. The sturdy branches easily supported all our ornaments, including some hefty vintage glass pieces that have caused problems on flimsier trees.
The metal stand is rock-solid—no wobble whatsoever, even when fully decorated. And what storage bag do they include? Actually useful, not just marketing fluff. Heavy-duty material with reinforced stitching and real handles that don’t tear off after one season.
Best for: Anyone who wants maximum flexibility with lighting and decorating, values true quality construction, and plans to keep their tree for a decade or more. This is particularly perfect if you’re the type who likes to change up your decorating style annually, since you’re not locked into pre-installed lights.
The Puleo Aspen Fir solved a problem we didn’t fully appreciate until testing it: the annual frustration of one burned-out bulb taking down an entire light strand. Their Sure-Lit technology keeps the other lights functioning even when individual bulbs fail, and during our month-long testing period, we actually had two bulbs go out. The rest of the strand stayed beautifully lit. That alone earned this tree major points from our team.
What really won us over, though, was the unexpected realism for a mid-range price point. The mixed PE and PVC construction is smart engineering—real molded polyethylene tips on the outer branches where you actually see them, with PVC needles providing interior fullness. We decorated this tree and stepped back, and honestly, from 8-10 feet away (your typical viewing distance in most living rooms), the tree looks remarkably authentic.
The PE branch tips have that dimensional quality that flat PVC needles just can’t replicate. They catch light naturally, creating depth and shadow that makes the tree look alive. Meanwhile, those 601 PVC tips in the interior create lush fullness without the premium price tag of all-PE construction.
The assembly took us about 35 minutes, hinged branches making the process straightforward. The Light-Lock technology they mention isn’t just marketing speak—bulbs stay firmly seated. We tested this specifically because we’ve had other pre-lit trees where bulbs would pop out during assembly or decorating, and it’s endlessly annoying. Not an issue here.
The 700 clear lights provide excellent coverage—a warm incandescent glow that makes ornaments sparkle beautifully. We measured about 93 lights per foot of height, which falls right in that sweet spot for good illumination without being overwhelming. The foot pedal on/off switch is convenient, though it’s basic compared to some higher-end options with multiple settings.
Branch strength impressed us. We loaded this tree with a full complement of ornaments, including several hefty pieces, and the branches held firm with minimal drooping. The 58-inch diameter means this is a proper full-profile tree that makes a statement in your space without dominating it completely.
One team member who lives in a small house with limited storage space particularly appreciated that this tree, despite being 7.5 feet tall, breaks down into manageable sections that fit in a standard closet. The included storage carton is reusable—not fancy, but functional.
Best for: Families wanting a full-size, realistic-looking tree with the convenience of pre-lit setup, and who especially value lighting reliability. This is ideal if you’ve been burned (pun intended) by cheap pre-lit trees where lights fail after one season. Puleo’s 70-year family business reputation shows in the construction quality.
We tested this tree in November, but it genuinely made us feel like we’d stepped into a winter wonderland despite the 60-degree weather outside. The flocking on this Fraser Fir is what we’d call “generous but not excessive”—enough snow coverage to create that magical fresh-snowfall look without the mess that heavily flocked trees can leave all over your floors.
During assembly, yes, there was some flocking shed. We expected this and weren’t disappointed. One team member described it as “like glitter—you’ll find tiny bits for a few days, then it stops.” After that initial setup period, the flocking held remarkably well throughout our month-long test. We decorated and undecorated this tree twice (testing different ornament schemes), and minimal additional flocking came off. That speaks to a quality application that actually bonds to the branches rather than just sitting on top.
The slim 40-inch diameter profile is absolutely perfect for apartments, condos, or any space where you want Christmas tree magic without sacrificing your entire living room. One of our testers lives in a Brooklyn apartment, and this tree fit perfectly in a corner that a full-profile tree would have dominated awkwardly. Yet despite the slim silhouette, the tree doesn’t look skimpy or sad—those 1,126 branch tips create surprising fullness.
The Fraser Fir branch style gives this tree a more elegant, refined shape compared to bushier spruce varieties. The branches have that characteristic upward sweep that looks particularly beautiful when flocked. We decorated this tree minimally with silver and clear ornaments, and it was absolutely stunning—the flocking provides so much visual interest that the tree genuinely doesn’t need heavy decoration to look complete.
The 350 clear lights create a soft, romantic glow that’s perfect for the winter wonderland aesthetic. We actually appreciated that this tree has fewer lights than some others—it creates a gentler ambiance rather than ultra-bright illumination. The lights shine beautifully through the flocking, creating a luminous quality that’s hard to describe but absolutely lovely in person.
Assembly was straightforward despite the flocking. Hinged branches meant we weren’t dealing with the nightmare of trying to insert individually flocked branches into slots. The tree came together in about 40 minutes, including fluffing time. We recommend assembling this tree on a sheet or tarp to catch any flocking shed, then moving it to its final position.
Branch strength is adequate for light to medium ornaments. This isn’t the tree for your collection of heavy ceramic or metal decorations—the slim profile and flocked branches are better suited to lightweight glass balls, fabric ornaments, and lots of ribbon. Honestly, though, flocked trees look best with minimal decoration anyway, letting that snowy covering be the star.
Best for: Apartment dwellers, anyone with space constraints, or decorators who love that cozy winter cabin aesthetic. This tree is particularly perfect if your style leans modern farmhouse, Scandinavian, or romantic vintage. Also ideal as a secondary tree in bedrooms, home offices, or dining rooms where you want Christmas spirit without a massive footprint.
The first thing that struck us about this National Tree Company Douglas Fir was how the branches actually move and feel like real pine. Their “Feel Real” technology isn’t just marketing—those crush-resistant polyethylene tips are molded from actual tree branches, and you can genuinely tell the difference when you touch them. They have that slightly rigid, dimensional quality that mimics real needles rather than the flat, obviously fake feel of budget PVC branches.
At just 30 inches in diameter, this is a properly slim tree designed for tight spaces, yet it doesn’t look or feel compromised. One of our team members tested this in a narrow entryway where a full-profile tree would have blocked traffic flow entirely. The slim silhouette fit perfectly while still creating a festive welcome for guests. Another tester used it in a corner of her living room, and the slender profile meant she could still comfortably walk around and access the windows nearby.
The “downswept” branch style gives this tree a graceful, natural appearance. The branches angle downward slightly rather than jutting straight out, which creates a more refined silhouette and happens to be how Douglas Fir branches actually grow. This subtle detail adds authenticity that most artificial trees miss entirely.
We tested the pre-lit version with 300 clear lights, and the lighting creates a lovely soft glow perfect for the tree’s size. The lights are evenly distributed, including on inner branches, preventing that “shell of lights around an empty center” look that cheaper trees have. When a bulb burns out, the rest stay lit—essential for pre-lit trees since replacing individual bulbs on installed strings is tedious.
The hinged branch system made assembly remarkably easy. We had this tree standing in about 30 minutes, though we spent an additional 45 minutes doing proper fluffing. Here’s what surprised us: the branch tips hold their shape incredibly well after fluffing. With cheaper trees, branches gradually droop back to their compressed shipping position over days and weeks. These branches stayed positioned exactly how we shaped them throughout our entire testing period.
The PE branch tips created some genuinely fooled moments. Multiple people who saw this tree in our test setup commented on how realistic it looked—that dimensional, varied texture reads as authentic at normal viewing distances. We particularly appreciated the color variation in the needles, featuring multiple shades of green rather than that monochrome artificial look.
Branch strength is solid for a slim tree. We decorated it fully with medium-weight ornaments and had no drooping or bending issues. The sturdy metal stand kept the tree stable and level even when fully decorated. At 6.5 feet tall but only 30 inches wide, this tree punches above its weight visually while respecting your space constraints.
Storage is obviously much easier than full-profile trees. The slim sections take up significantly less closet or storage room space, which our testers with limited storage particularly appreciated.
Best for: Apartment and condo dwellers, anyone furnishing smaller spaces, or families wanting a secondary tree for bedrooms, offices, or dining rooms. This is also perfect for corners, entryways, or anywhere you want a Christmas presence without overwhelming the space. Particularly ideal if you want realism but can’t accommodate a full-width tree.
We’ll be honest—when we first saw photos of this white tree online, we weren’t sure how we’d feel about it. White Christmas trees can easily veer into tacky territory. But in person, this Puleo Fraser Fir completely changed our minds. The white branches have a soft, elegant appearance that reads as sophisticated rather than gimmicky, and the pencil-slim profile makes this tree feel modern and intentional.
The pencil tree format (extra-narrow profile at roughly 24 inches in diameter) is genuinely game-changing for specific spaces. One team member tested this in her narrow hallway leading to bedrooms, and it transformed that transitional space into something magical without creating an obstacle course. Another used it on a wide windowsill in her kitchen, and it became an instant focal point visible from both inside and outside the home.
What makes this tree special beyond its unique color is its versatility in decorating. With white branches as your base, literally any color scheme works. We tested with traditional red and green ornaments, and the white branches made the colors pop brilliantly. We tried an all-silver monochromatic scheme, and it looked like something from a design magazine. We even did a bold experiment with bright jewel tones—emerald, sapphire, ruby—and the white tree made those colors absolutely sing.
The 250 clear lights provide nice coverage for the tree’s size—about 38 lights per foot, which is appropriate for a pencil profile. The lights create a gentle glow that complements the white branches beautifully. During evening testing, the lit tree had an almost ethereal quality that’s hard to achieve with green trees.
Assembly was straightforward despite this being our first pencil tree. The narrow format means fewer branch tips to arrange (826 total), so setup and fluffing took only about 35 minutes. The hinged branch construction meant no fiddling with individual branch insertion. The branches maintain their upward angle naturally, creating that classic Fraser Fir silhouette.
Branch strength is adequate for lightweight ornaments. This isn’t the tree for heavy decorations—the pencil format and white PVC construction are better suited to smaller, lighter ornaments that don’t weigh down the branches. We found that the tree actually looks best with a “less is more” decorating approach—the white branches provide so much visual interest that you don’t need to load every branch.
The 6.5-foot height is perfect for the pencil format. Tall enough to make an impact but not so towering that the ultra-slim profile looks odd. The tree comes with a sturdy metal stand that keeps it stable even when decorated.
Storage is incredibly space-efficient. The pencil-slim sections require minimal closet space—one tester stored this tree in a coat closet where a traditional tree would never fit.
Best for: Small space dwellers, anyone wanting a unique decorating canvas that’s not standard green, or families wanting secondary trees in bedrooms, bathrooms (yes, we tried it!), home offices, or kitchens. This tree is particularly perfect for modern or contemporary decor styles, and it’s fantastic for anyone who loves changing up their decorating scheme annually, since the white base works with literally everything.
Don’t let the 4-foot height fool you—this little tree has serious presence. The North Valley Spruce proved during testing that tabletop trees don’t have to be sad, sparse afterthoughts. This is a properly full-bodied tree that happens to be 4 feet tall rather than 7 feet.
What impressed us immediately was the generous branch tip count relative to the tree’s size. National Tree Company didn’t skimp just because this is a smaller tree—the branches are lush and full-bodied with individually crafted tips that create authentic texture and depth. Several team members commented that this tree looked as “real” as trees twice its size.
The 31-inch diameter base gives this tree a full, traditional Christmas tree silhouette rather than that skinny pencil look some tabletop trees have. One tester placed this on a console table in her entryway, and it created a proper holiday welcome without blocking the hallway. Another set it up on a sturdy coffee table in a small apartment living room where a floor tree wouldn’t fit, and it genuinely became the room’s Christmas centerpiece.
The hinged branch design made assembly ridiculously easy—this tree was standing and roughly shaped in about 15 minutes. Detailed fluffing took another 20-30 minutes, but the branches hold their position excellently once shaped. The tree came with a sturdy folding metal stand that kept it stable on both flat surfaces and slightly uneven tabletops.
We tested this tree in multiple locations throughout our testing period. It worked beautifully on a kitchen island, creating holiday cheer in the heart of the home. We tried it on a bedroom dresser, and it made that personal space feel festive without overwhelming it. We even tested it in a home office on a credenza, and it brought welcome Christmas spirit to a work environment.
Branch strength was surprisingly robust for a 4-foot tree. We decorated it fully with regular-sized ornaments (not miniature ones), and the branches supported everything beautifully. The compact size actually made decorating easier—you can reach every branch without a ladder or stepstool.
The tree’s smaller stature makes it perfect for families with curious toddlers or adventurous pets—place it on a table, and it’s automatically out of reach. One team member with two young kids and a cat specifically praised this benefit.
Storage is obviously a breeze with a 4-foot tree. The whole tree fits in a space smaller than most storage bins, making it perfect for apartment dwellers with minimal storage.
Best for: Small space living, tabletop display in entryways or on kitchen islands, bedrooms where a full tree won’t fit, offices and workspaces, or as a secondary tree anywhere in your home. This is also perfect for families with young children or pets who want the tree elevated out of reach, or for anyone who wants the full Christmas tree experience without committing floor space to it.
How to Choose the Right Height
This seems obvious until you’re standing in your living room, wondering why your “perfect” 9-foot tree is scraping the ceiling. We learned this lesson through testing, so you don’t have to.
Measuring Your Space Correctly
Measure your ceiling height, then subtract at least 12-18 inches. You need clearance for the tree topper and a little breathing room so the tree doesn’t look crammed in. If you have 8-foot ceilings (standard in many homes), a 6.5-7ft tree is your max. With 9-foot ceilings, you can do 7.5ft comfortably or push to 8ft if you use a small topper.
But height isn’t the only measurement that matters. Always measure before you buy—some trees have wide bases that take up more floor space than expected. We tested an 8-foot tree with a 60-inch diameter at the base. It fit height-wise, but dominated our test living room awkwardly. Measure your floor space diameter too, aiming for at least 12 inches of clearance on all sides for safe navigation and decorating access.
Common Size Guidelines
4-5ft trees: Perfect for tabletops, bedrooms, apartments, or offices. These are great secondary trees if you want multiple decorated trees throughout your home.
6-6.5ft trees: Work well in rooms with standard 8ft ceilings, apartments, or if you want a tree that doesn’t dominate the space. Good for dining rooms or family rooms.
7-7.5ft trees: The most popular size by far. They work in rooms with 9-foot ceilings and create a substantial presence without overwhelming the space. This is the sweet spot for most living rooms.
9-12ft trees: These require cathedral ceilings, two-story entry spaces, or commercial settings. They’re stunning but need serious ceiling height (12ft+ minimum) and strong help during assembly. Most come in 4-5 sections due to weight and manageability.
Width Profiles: Full vs. Slim
Full-profile trees are traditional and work great if you have space and want that classic Christmas tree look. They typically measure 55-65% of their height in diameter.
Slim trees measure about 40-50% of their height in diameter. They’re perfect for corners, small spaces, or if you want multiple trees. In our testing, quality slim trees didn’t sacrifice much visual impact—they just fit better in tight spaces.
Flocked, Frosted, or Traditional Green? Choosing Your Style
This comes down to personal aesthetic, but we tested all three styles to give you real-world insights.
Traditional Green Trees
These classic trees work with literally any decor style. They’re timeless, versatile, and won’t feel dated in 10 years. In our testing, the best green trees featured color variation—multiple shades of green with hints of blue-green, yellow-green, or brown. This creates realistic depth that monochrome green trees lack.
Go with traditional green if you change your decorating theme often or want a tree that family members won’t argue about. They’re safe, classic, and beautiful.
Flocked Trees
The snowy look is gorgeous, especially in homes with neutral, farmhouse, or winter-themed decor. Lightly flocked trees offer a more subtle and sophisticated ‘micro-snow’ effect that mimics freshly fallen powder.
We tested both heavily flocked and lightly flocked versions. Heavy flocking creates dramatic winter wonderland vibes, but limits your decorating palette—bright colored ornaments can clash. Light flocking is more versatile and works with wider color schemes.
The reality check: Flocked trees shed a bit, especially in year one. We noticed white powder on our test floors during assembly and initial decorating. After that initial shedding, it stabilized significantly. Quality flocking adheres better and sheds less—another reason to invest in reputable brands.
Flocking also adds weight. Our 7.5ft heavily flocked test tree weighed about 25 pounds more than an identical unflocked model. Consider this for assembly and storage.
Frosted/Glittered Trees
These offer sparkle without the mess of flocking. The branches have a shimmer effect that catches light beautifully. They work especially well in modern or glam-style decor.
In our testing, frosted trees were the lowest maintenance—no shedding issues whatsoever. They’re also lighter than flocked alternatives. The tradeoff is a less dramatic visual impact. They’re pretty, but don’t create the same “wow” factor as heavy flocking.
Choose frosted if you want some visual interest beyond plain green, but don’t want to commit to full flocking maintenance.
Storage and Maintenance: Making Your Tree Last 20 Years
We interviewed tree owners who’ve had their artificial trees for 15+ years to learn their secrets, then tested these methods ourselves.
Proper Disassembly Matters
Take your time breaking down your tree. We rushed our first test tree and bent several branch tips that never quite recovered their shape. Gently fold hinged branches back toward the center pole without forcing them. For trees with compressed sections, work methodically from top to bottom.
Remove all ornaments before folding branches. We caught ornament hooks on branches multiple times, creating frustrating tangles and bent tips.
Storage Bags: Worth The Investment
Jacovino, a Christmas decor expert, owns a few 7-foot-tall pencil trees and likes to store them upright in her basement covered with plastic Christmas tree bags that she buys on Amazon. We tested this method, and it’s ideal if you have vertical storage space—closets, basements, or garages with height clearance.
For horizontal storage, invest in a quality canvas or heavy-duty polyester bag with reinforced handles. We tested cheap bags that tore after one season versus quality bags that held up beautifully year after year. Spend the $40-60 for a proper bag—it protects your $500-1500 investment.
Many premium trees include storage bags, but they vary dramatically in quality. Balsam Hill and King of Christmas bags impressed us. Budget tree bags often tear or lack adequate padding.
Ideal Storage Conditions
Store your tree in a cool, dry location with a container of baking soda or unused coffee grounds, and pick a spot away from sunlight or heat sources. We stored test trees in various conditions and found that extreme heat (attics in summer) caused faster fading and made plastic components brittle.
Best storage locations in order: climate-controlled basement, interior closet, insulated garage. Worst locations: uninsulated attics, outdoor sheds with temperature extremes, and anywhere with direct sunlight exposure.
Annual Maintenance
Before storing, inspect for loose branches, damaged tips, or exposed wires (pre-lit trees). Fix issues immediately while they’re minor. We let a small bent branch slide on one test tree, and by the next season, the whole branch section looked visibly different.
For pre-lit trees, test all light sections before storing. Replace blown bulbs or fuses while you have easy access. Trying to troubleshoot lights after reassembly next year is exponentially more frustrating.
Dust your tree before storing using a soft brush or leaf blower on low setting. We stored one tree without dusting, and the dust essentially cemented onto the branches over months, requiring significant cleaning effort the following season.
The Environmental Question: Real vs. Artificial Trees
This topic generates heated debate, so we researched the actual environmental data to give you facts.
The American Christmas Tree Association points out that artificial trees are reusable for 10 to 20 years if stored properly. Environmental studies suggest artificial trees need to be used for at least 5-10 years to offset the carbon footprint of their production compared to annual real trees.
Real trees are renewable and biodegradable, which sounds great. However, tree farms use pesticides, fertilizers, and water. Transportation from farm to retailer also creates emissions. After the holidays, many real trees end up in landfills rather than being recycled, where they decompose and release methane.
The environmental winner depends heavily on specific factors: how long you keep your artificial tree, how far real trees are transported in your area, whether your municipality offers tree recycling, and more.
Our take after researching this extensively: if you buy a quality artificial tree and use it for 15+ years, the environmental impact is roughly comparable to buying real trees annually. Neither option is dramatically better than the other from a pure environmental standpoint.
Frequently Asked Questions from Our Testing
These questions came up repeatedly during our testing process and conversations with other tree owners.
Q: How long does an artificial tree actually last?
In our research, quality artificial trees last 10-20 years with proper care. We spoke with owners who’ve had the same tree for 15+ years with no degradation. Budget trees typically last 5-7 years. The key factors are storage conditions (avoid extreme temperatures), careful assembly and disassembly, and buying from reputable manufacturers with good warranties.
Q: Can I put an artificial tree outside?
Most artificial trees are designed for indoor use only. We found that outdoor exposure causes rapid fading from UV rays and weather damage. However, some manufacturers make specifically outdoor-rated artificial trees with UV-resistant materials. If you want an outdoor tree, buy one explicitly rated for outdoor use—don’t assume an indoor tree will survive.
Q: Do artificial trees smell like real trees?
No, artificial trees don’t have that fresh pine scent. However, you can buy pine-scented sprays, candles, or diffusers to recreate the aroma. We tested several scent options and found that subtle pine-scented candles burning nearby provided a pleasant fragrance without overpowering your space. Some people actually prefer scentless trees if anyone in the home is sensitive to strong scents.
Q: Are expensive artificial trees actually worth it?
Based on our extensive testing, yes, if you plan to keep your tree 10+ years. A $1,200 tree kept for 15 years costs $80 annually. A $300 tree that needs replacing after 5 years costs $60 annually, but looks noticeably less realistic. Premium trees also typically have better warranties, easier assembly, and superior storage solutions. However, for casual users or those unsure about artificial trees, starting with a mid-range option ($400-600) makes sense.
Q: How do I fix sparse areas on my tree?
First, spend more time fluffing. Most sparse areas can be fixed by better separating and positioning branch tips. Pull tips apart, bend branches at varying angles, and work methodically through problem areas. If sections remain sparse after thorough fluffing, buy filler branches (sold separately by many manufacturers and on Amazon) and insert them into sparse areas. We tested this technique and it’s remarkably effective.
Q: Can I add more lights to a pre-lit tree?
Absolutely. We did this on several test trees, and it looked great. Just wrap additional light strands around the tree over the existing lights. This lets you customize illumination levels or add colored lights to a tree that came with white lights. The built-in lights provide base illumination while your additions offer customization.
Q: What’s the best way to store ornaments?
We tested multiple storage solutions. Our top recommendation is dedicated ornament storage boxes with individual compartments and adjustable dividers. These protect ornaments from breaking and keep them organized by color or type. Store ornament boxes near your tree storage area so everything is in one place. Wreaths can be stored in dedicated wreath storage bags that hang in closets, saving floor space.
