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Faux greenery that looks just like the real flock .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
previous traditions can be hard to pause , especially if you ’re used to putting up areal Christmas treeduring the holidays . While artificial Christmas Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree of 10 past might indeed have depend fake and kitschy , they have evolved into advanced reading that look and even feel like the substantial thing .
If you ’ve been stargaze for months abouthow to decorate your Christmas tree diagram — perhaps evenhanging it upside downfor a change this season — a no - criminal maintenance stilted tree diagram can save you fourth dimension , peculiarly if it comes pre - lit . Plus , there ’s an excellent chance it will stick around not only for Christmas morning but for many Christmas sunrise to come .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Our Top Picks
Anna Claire Stietenroth , founder of Spruced Up says , “ If you ’re going for that lush , authentic feeling , a full tree diagram is usually the way to go , as it brings a natural , abundant look . Slim or monotone - back trees , on the other hand , work wonders for tighter spaces without sacrifice style . ”
What We Tested
Our BHG team tested two XII artificial Christmas trees , choose the best artificial Christmas trees free-base on rest ofsetup , disassembly , andstorage . Plus , we judged them onappearance , stability , andoverall value .
Best Lit
Southern Living LED Cashmere Christmas Tree
The naturalistic look , quick frame-up , and medium size make it ideal for most households .
The home is on the thin side and the bulbs are n’t replaceable .
This pick from Southern Living ’s decor aggregation is the best artificial Christmas tree diagram for most plate because it has a natural appearance , is an idealistic size of it for the average living elbow room , and is gentle to assemble and break up .
Credit: Dillard’s
The cashmere - tipped needles and leg are incredibly convincing , and even more so because of the tree ’s fullness — you ca n’t see the faux trunk . At 7.5 feet tall and 52 inches in cornerstone diam , this is the goldilocks aster of Tree : it ’s not too big or too modest . It ’s just right .
Putting the tree together took all of 10 moment , with very minimum effort . The part connect easy and only the top portion required ( minor ) fluffing . afterwards on , take it asunder took only three proceedings and the bit fit effortlessly in the box with mickle of space left .
While the tree itself was uncompromising , we found the let in stand to be a bit flimsy ; the tree diagram would tilt slightly if we shook the al-Qaeda , though we never thought it was in danger of shine over . The branches hold the ornamentation well and could accommodateornaments of all unlike sizing .
Putting the Southern Living Cashmere Christmas Tree together took only 10 minutes, as the parts connected easily.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
rather of a remote control , there ’s a foot foot pedal to turn thewarm blanched LED lightson and off . The wires for the lights are essentially invisible because the bulb are integrated into the offset , but this also entail that they ca n’t be replaced .
Height:7.5 feet |Tree Type : Not number |Base Diameter:52 inches |Lighting : strong LED |Features : Pre - lit , brook included |Material : Not listed
As Christmas gets closer , terms tend to increase . For the good mountain , we recommend shopping too soon — around Labor Day and throughout September — or after Christmas .
Best Unlit
Balsam Hill Sanibel Spruce Artificial Tree
This Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree await just like the genuine thing and come with utile supplement .
Because of the size , depot might be inapt .
For those in the market for a truly realistic , full - bodied artificial Christmas tree , this is the best option worth investing in . Even up nigh , we felt that most masses would be fooled into thinking it ’s real . you could get it unlit or with clear LED sparkle , and opt between several heights ( we tested the 7 - foot choice ) .
The base diameter is substantial , which is to be expected with such a full Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree : 53 inches , or 4.5 feet , for the 7 footer . Putting the tree together required nip three labeled sections together . Overall , it film us about 30 minute to assemble , most of which was spent screw up the tree because of how full it is .
We urge enlist aid , because the fluffing get tedious ( though it is worth it for the outcome ) . Any lingering bare billet were non - existing once weadded the ornaments , which did n’t compromise the stability of the tree . That pronounce , the scrawny top branch was unable to support our topper .
We did find that the purse was heavy and awkward to carry , so you may want to necessitate for a second set of hands . Because of how large it is , there was concern that it might be unmanageable to stack away depending on how much infinite you have .
If the price tag gives you pause , Mary Patton , owner and designer at Mary Patton Design in Houston , Texas , has some advice : “ Balsam Hill make the most tasteful , realistic artificial Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , ” she tell . “ They ’re also 1,000 times well-to-do to embellish because you may manipulate the branches how you ’d care to bestdisplay your ornamentation . ”
Height:7 foot ( also comes in 5 substructure , 6 feet , 8 feet , and 9 feet ) |Tree Type : Sanibel Spruce |Base Diameter:53 inches ( 4.5 feet ) |Lighting : Unlit or LED clear |Features : stick out with dough - proof rubber foot , protective baseball glove , additional bulb , off - time of year storage dish |Material : Not listed
Best Flocked
Puleo International Flocked Portland Pine Christmas Tree
The flocking does n’t shed as much as it does on other tree diagram .
Each part has to be manually plugged in for the visible radiation to turn .
Flocked trees are embrace in faux snow for a dreamy look , and this is the well flocked choice we try . you may prefer from several height — as little as 4.5 groundwork , going up to 9 pes . From the get - go , no bare spots were visible , and fluffing was soft because of how exit the tree diagram is .
To create a snow-covered effect , heavyflocking is appliedaround the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . We noticed that the longer branches had more flocking than shorter branches , creating more profundity . As beautiful as flocking is , it ’s also ill-famed for shedding anddropping glitter all overthe place . While we did experience some shedding with this tree , it was not nearly as much as other options .
The tree arrives pre - lit for adorn rest , and the beneficial word is that even if a bulb break of serve , you’re able to justreplace that one bulbinstead of the full tree diagram . We did n’t love how , instead of secure in all the lighting via the proboscis like other trees , you have to punch in each part separately .
It took just 7 minutes and 32 seconds to completely assemble the tree ( no instructions necessary ! ) , and an even faster 1 bit and 33 sec to disassemble it . Even afterhanging the topperand ornaments , the tree remained altogether unchanging .
Height:6.5 ft ( also come in 4.5 feet , 7 foot , and 9 feet ) |Tree Type : Portland Pine |Base Diameter:24 inches |Lighting : Clear |Features : Stand included|Material : PVC
The Bottom Line
You desire the best artificial Christmas tree to have it all : style , pragmatism , andease of setup . We recommend theSouthern Living Home Decor Collection lead Lighted 7.5 - ft Cashmere Christmas Treefor most household , as it ’s prelit , looks very reliable , and is just the right size of it for the median life elbow room . Plus , it hire just bit to set up and command minimum fluffing .
For an unlit tree diagram , you ca n’t beatBalsam Hill ’s Sanibel Spruce , which is super realistic ( though a bit higher maintenance than the Southern Living pick ) . If you do it the flavour of flocking , opt for thePuleo International Pre - Lit Flocked Portland Pine Pencil Tree . It sheds less than other flocked option .
Our Testing Process
To accumulate our roundup of the bestartificial Christmas trees , we screen over two dozen tree in BHG ’s Des Moines lab . For each one , we time the fabrication , including botch . Once assemble , we intimately examined the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree branch to see which ones count the most naturalistic and whether there were any spare spots .
If a particular tree diagram was flocked , we noted whether any of the “ snow ” fall off . For pre - illuminated trees , we tried out all the context and try out by removing one medulla to see if the whole Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree went dark with one “ wiped out ” light .
We decorated one side of the tree and added a topper , mark whether the branches hold up the ribbon or if the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree swag under the weight . last , we took down the tree diagram , once again time ourselves and remark if it were better as a one- or two - individual task .
What to Know About Artificial Trees Before Shopping
Height
Does bounteous mean better when it come to Christmas tree ? It ’s all up to your own personal predilection , but Patton indicate you “ go with the bountiful size that will fit comfortably in your space . ”
Once you have intercourse where your tree diagram is going to go , grab a tapeline mensuration and follow Stietenroth ’s rule of thumb of choosing a tree that ’s about 1 - 2 feetshorter than your ceiling . “ This gives a bit of ventilation room while still maximize height , ” she excuse .
Keep in brain that for fuller trees , the higher you go , the extensive the diam will be . However , if you choose a tree with a svelte profile , you could opt for more height without worrying about the width .
Tree Type
recollect all Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with needle are the same ? Think again . There are three primaryartificial Christmas tree type : fir , spruce , and pine .
Whether Balsam , Douglas , or Fraser , fir is what you ’ll see most often at an factual Christmas Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree farm because of its needle retentivity , sturdy branch , and of course , festive bouquet . Because of this , it ’s no surprisal that people love the authentic Christmas - y look of artificial fir so much .
Spruce trees are known for their dense , sharp needles that will speedily shed without proper lacrimation . as luck would have it , this is n’t a problem with the hokey single — you just get to enjoy their beautiful coloring and picturesque shape .
Finally , pine trees tend to be a small less lush , with lean needles that show off a act more of their branch . This is a solid alternative for those seeking a more rustic appearance .
Lighting
If you like having your lightsjustso , opt for an unlighted artificial tree and custom-make the look , adding Christmas lightsstrand by strand . However , Stietenroth commend something pre - lit that “ brings an supererogatory layer of convenience and glossiness . ”
She recommends light-emitting diode lights , which are energy - efficientand emit less heat than traditional incandescent Inner Light , prepare them a safer choice for all - twenty-four hour period atmosphere . Now the interrogative sentence is , blank or gloss ?
“ For me , white brightness level are preferred , ” saysLance Thomas , principal fashion designer at Thomas Guy Interiors in Lake Charles , Louisiana . “ It is also easy to blend the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree decorations against the livid lighting , and they wo n’t detract from the overall stem . ”
If you ’re a sign divided between classic passion orvibrant holiday colors , make the decision easy by includingallthe igniter . Many of the pre - lit variations come with a light show of changeable preferences to match your mood or motif . With the flick of a electric switch or foot lever , you may illuminate a space with the best of both worlds .
Material
There are two primary types of artificial tree diagram that master the grocery store : PVC ( polyvinyl chloride ) and PE ( polythene ) . “ PVC trees are a more budget - well-disposed option and come in in various shapes and sizes , ” explains Stietenroth .
“ PE trees are made to calculate and sense incredibly realistic , with phonograph needle that mimic the precise flesh , grain , and density of rude Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree needles . ” The one thing to keep in nous is that they tend to be pricy .
no matter of what fabric you prefer for , do n’t allow the needles kibosh you from arrange the offshoot for the fullest tree possible . “ When you put together the tree , it ’s safe to don gloves and drop time fluffing each branch , ” sound out Patton . “ It ’s absolutely worth the meter and exertion , it makes such a difference . ”
Credit: Balsam Hill
Other Artificial Christmas Trees We Liked
National Tree Company Pre-Lit White Artificial Christmas Tree
A white Christmas tree is not the most realistic , but the shining subdivision make a statement and help the ornaments stand out . We wish theNational Tree Company edition , which is middle - catching and sturdy ( at an low-cost toll ) . Though the lights were equally distributed , we did wish there were more of them .
Pottery Barn Lit Faux Potted Natural Cut Georgia Pine Tree
The lifelike take care and easy setup of thePottery Barn Natural Cut Georgia Pine Treewere professional , though we did n’t love the frail branches or how one incandescent lamp failure affects an entire section . We ’d suggest waiting for a sales agreement , as this would be a gracious tree choice for a porch or apartment .
King of Christmas King Flock Artificial Christmas Tree
We set up a lot to love about theKing of Christmas tree diagram , such as the eight light setting and the gorgeous flocking . However , the flocking was messy and it did postulate two people to put it into computer memory .
Your Questions, Answered
Are expensive artificial Christmas trees worth it?
“ perfectly . An artificial tree will last for several long time as long as you put it out correctly , ” say Patton . For most trees , Patton believe you should be all right storing the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in the box it come in , though a number of the selections on our best artificial Christmas tree list do come with their own storage purse .
Thomas saysproper computer memory is keyto keeping an contrived tree around time of year after time of year . “ Choose a coolheaded , dry place where the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree can avoid damage throughout the eternal sleep of the yr , ” he says . “ Also , remember to disconnect the tree when not in role to keep the longevity of the lights . ”
You ’re not a Grinch if you ’ve decided to go with a more budget - well-disposed role model , though . “ Regardless of disbursal , hokey trees will typically last several years , ” tell Thomas .
The Balsam Hill Sanibel Spruce Artificial Tree took us more time to fluff, but it was worth it for the realistic results.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
How long should an artificial Christmas tree last?
With proper care , Stietenroth says , most unreal tree last anywhere from six to 10 years . Pre - light up trees have more variable : “ The lifespan of the lights depends on their caliber , how often you have them on , and how cautiously they ’re store each year . ” Stietenroth recommend keeping an oculus on the light string and replacing any that show habiliment .
Who We Are
This chronicle was indite byQuincy Bulin , a author for BHG , specializing in interior decoration , furniture , and shopping . To compile this lean of the best contrived Christmas tree , she analyse lab insights from our testing land site in Des Moines , Iowa , where examiner value each hokey tree based on rest of setup , dismantlement , computer storage , appearance , stability , and overall value . We also consultedMary Patton , owner and fashion designer at Mary Patton Design in Houston , TX;Lance Thomas , principal room decorator at Thomas Guy Interiors in Lake Charles , LA ; andAnna Claire Stietenroth , founder of bespoke Christmas tree interior decoration brand Spruced Up .
Credit: Amazon
While we experienced some shedding from the flocking on the Puleo International Portland Pine Tree, it wasn’t as bad as other options.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
In our lab, we timed the assembly of each tree (including fluffing of branches).Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
A white Christms tree is an eye-catching option, though not as realistic as natural versions.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
We fully decorated each tree to see how well it supported ornaments and the all-important topper.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
