Artificial Christmas Tree Buying Guide

The festive season is almost upon us, and it's time to deck the halls with boughs of holly and, of course, the perfect Christmas tree.

Whether you're a traditionalist or a trendsetter, choosing the right artificial Christmas tree can make your holiday decor shine.

This comprehensive artificial Christmas tree buying guide will help you navigate the options and find the tree that best suits your style, space, and needs.

Artificial Christmas trees vs real christmas trees

When it comes to the classic debate of artificial vs. real Christmas trees, there are pros and cons to each. However, artificial Christmas trees have become increasingly popular for several reasons:

  • Longevity: Unlike real trees, artificial Christmas trees can last many years, making them a cost-effective option. You also don’t need to worry about how you’re going to dispose of them!
  • Low maintenance: No need to water an artificial tree; you won't have to deal with fallen needles.
  • Allergy-friendly: Artificial trees won’t provoke any unwanted reactions, making them ideal for people with allergies.
  • Variety: Available in various styles, sizes, and colours, the fake tree offers versatility that real trees can't match.
  • Safety: Faux trees are generally less of a fire hazard compared to a real Christmas tree, especially if you opt for pre-lit versions with LED lights. However, it’s always worth checking the specifications to ensure that your chosen tree is flame retardant.

While real trees have charm, artificial trees offer convenience and durability, ensuring your festive celebrations are stress-free and spectacular.

Christmas Tree Size Guide

Not sure what size Christmas tree to buy? Here’s a roundup of the information you need to know.

Mini trees

  • Ideal for: Tabletops, kids’ bedrooms, and other compact spaces.
  • Benefits: Mini Christmas trees are compact and easy to move, whether you want them on tabletops, desks, or shelves, and they make excellent centrepieces for holiday tablescapes.

3ft to 5ft trees

  • Ideal for: Small flats, bedrooms and office spaces.
  • Benefits: Trees between 3-foot and 5-foot are perfect for adding festive cheer to smaller areas without taking up too much floor space.

6ft to 7ft trees

  • Ideal for: Most UK living rooms, dining rooms, and family rooms with standard ceiling heights (8-9 feet).
  • Benefits: 6-foot and 7-foot trees are the most popular sizes, offering a full look without overwhelming the space. They provide ample room for decorations and are often available in a variety of shapes.

8ft to 10ft trees

  • Ideal for: Homes with high ceilings, grand entryways, and large living spaces.
  • Benefits: Whether you opt for an 8-foot, 9-foot or 10-foot tree, they're bound to make a statement and are perfect for large rooms where you want to create a focal point with your holiday decor.

10ft to 12ft trees

  • Ideal for: Two-story living rooms, commercial spaces, and large foyers.
  • Benefits: These towering 10-foot to 12-foot trees provide a dramatic and impressive display, ideal for creating a winter wonderland effect in expansive areas.

Over 12ft trees

  • Ideal for: Public spaces, large venues, and homes with very high ceilings.

Benefits: From 14-foot trees to over 20-foot trees, these majestic creations are showstoppers, perfect for grand festive displays that leave a lasting impression. These are a favourite for commercial clients.

tree height guide

Christmas Tree Shape Guide

Likewise, it can be tricky to know what shape Christmas tree to buy. Here’s a summary of some of our most popular shapes. 

  • Slim Christmas trees

Slim Christmas trees are tall and narrow, making them perfect for tight spaces. They are ideal for hallways, corners, and smaller rooms where floor space is limited.

These trees offer a sleek and elegant look without sacrificing height, making them a great choice for modern homes.

  • Tall Christmas trees

Tall Christmas trees are exactly what their name suggests – tall and towering. These trees are ideal for making a grand statement in large rooms, high ceilings, and open spaces.

Tall trees create a stunning centrepiece and provide plenty of room for decorations, allowing for a truly majestic holiday display.

  • Bushy Christmas trees

Bushy Christmas trees are full and dense with plenty of branches, making them ideal for traditional and classic Christmas settings.

These trees offer a lush, natural look that closely resembles a real tree, perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that brings the holiday spirit to life.

  • Traditional Christmas trees

Traditional artificial Christmas trees have a classic shape and a balanced width-to-height ratio. They're versatile and timeless, fitting well in most spaces and styles.

Traditional trees provide a familiar and comforting holiday feel, making them a favourite choice for those who cherish the classic Christmas look.

  • Half Christmas trees

Half Christmas trees have a flat back, making them perfect for placing against a wall. They're ideal for small flats and rooms with limited space, and they’re a little cheaper than their full-sized brethren, especially as they only require half the decorations.

Half trees save space while still offering the full holiday effect when viewed from the front, providing a practical yet festive solution for compact living areas.

Christmas Tree Colour Guide

Artificial trees come in a variety of colours, allowing you to match your tree to your overall decor theme. Here are some popular options:

Unlit vs pre-lit artificial Christmas trees

When it comes to lighting, you have two main options: unlit or pre-lit artificial trees. Blossom trees and fibre optic trees are two popular pre-lit styles, along with traditional trees with pre-lit branches.

Should I buy an unlit Christmas tree?

  • Pros of unlit Christmas trees: Allow you to choose and customise your own lights. You can change the colour scheme or style every year. However, if you opt for a pre-lit tree with Dual chip LED technology, such as our Ultra Devonshire, you can alternate between two different colours, within the same LED.
  • Cons of unlit Christmas trees: Requires more time to decorate and may involve dealing with tangled fairy lights.

Should I buy a pre-lit Christmas tree?

  • Pros of pre-lit trees: Pre-lit trees are convenient and time-saving. They come with lights already installed and are often evenly distributed, providing a professional look.
  • Cons of pre-lit Christmas trees: Less flexibility in changing light styles.

LED blossom trees

LED blossom trees are a trendy and whimsical option for those looking to add a touch of magic to their holiday decor. These trees feature delicate LED lights shaped like blossoms, creating a beautiful and ethereal effect.

They're perfect for indoor and outdoor use, adding a unique and enchanting element to your Christmas setup.

Fibre optic trees

Fibre optic trees are known for their vibrant and colourful light displays. These trees use fibre optics to create a dazzling array of colours that change and twinkle.

They're energy-efficient and come in various sizes and shapes, making them a fun and festive choice for any home.

Realistic Christmas trees: what to look for

If you prioritise having a realistic artificial Christmas tree, we have options that look just like the real thing and are even moulded on real trees and branches! Here’s what to look for when seeking out the most realistic artificial Christmas trees:

Branch tip amount and density

A Christmas tree with a high tip count will have a denser, fuller appearance, closely mimicking the look of a real tree. When shopping, compare the tip counts of different trees. 

Higher-end trees often boast thousands of tips, creating a lush, natural look that can hold plenty of decorations without appearing sparse.

Branch material

The material used for the branches is another crucial factor in achieving a realistic appearance. PE (polyethylene) branches are the top choice for realism. These branches are moulded from actual tree branches, giving them a three-dimensional look and feel that closely resembles real pine needles. However, PVC branches can look just as realistic - always assess branch width and length along with branch material to get the best quality for the best price.

Colour

The colour of the branches plays a vital role in the tree’s overall realism. Look for trees with varying shades of green to mimic the natural variation found in real trees.

The best trees avoid the overly bright, uniform greens that give away their artificial nature. Instead, they feature peashoot greens, dark waxy greens, and even frosted tips for a more natural, realistic appearance.

How easy is it to set up artificial trees?

Most modern artificial trees are designed for easy setup. Look for features like hinged branches, which make assembly quick and straightforward.

The branches are permanently attached to the trunk, allowing them to fall into place with minimal effort.

Many trees also come with sturdy metal Christmas tree stands and clear instructions, ensuring your tree is up and ready in no time.

Affordable Christmas trees: what to look for

When hunting for an affordable Christmas tree, it’s easy to be swayed by a low price tag. But remember, not all trees are created equal. While you might save a few pounds upfront, a cheap tree often means low-quality materials and sparse branches that won't last through the festive season. Here’s what to look for to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck:

Branch material and tip density

The material of the branches significantly impacts your tree's appearance and durability. Polyethylene (PE) branches are the gold standard for a realistic look, as they closely mimic the appearance and texture of real pine needles. However, purely PE trees do tend to be pricier.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a more affordable option that offers a classic look. The majority of our trees are made using a combination of PE & PVC, making them both realistic in appearance and affordable.

Tip density is another crucial factor. A tree with a high tip count will appear fuller and more lush, providing a perfect canvas for your ornaments. While trees with fewer tips are cheaper, they can look sparse and less impressive. So, when comparing prices, check the tip count to ensure you’re not sacrificing fullness for affordability.

Shape and structure

The shape of the tree also affects its overall look and price. Trees with a natural, tiered shape or those with special features, like upswept branches, tend to be more expensive, requiring more material and craftsmanship to achieve that archetypal silhouette.

Cheaper trees might have a more uniform, less realistic shape. Look for trees with a slightly irregular profile and well-spaced branches to mimic the natural growth of a real tree.

Even our most budget-friendly options maintain high standards, unlike the low-quality trees you might find at everyday retailers. When you invest in an affordable tree from us, you're ensuring your festive centrepiece will stand the test of time, season after season.

Luxury Christmas trees: what to look for

If you want to treat yourself to a luxury Christmas tree, you’re in for a treat. These trees are designed to be the epitome of festive elegance, featuring top-quality materials and craftsmanship. Here’s what to consider when shopping for a luxury tree:

Premium branch material, density and lighting options

Luxury trees typically feature PE branches, providing the most realistic foliage. These branches replicate the colour, texture, and shape of real pine needles, making it hard to distinguish the tree from a real one.

The density of the branches is also superior, with a high tip count ensuring the tree looks full and lush. This fullness enhances the tree's appearance and provides ample space for decorating.

For a final high-end touch, you can opt for premium lighting. Our Ultra-Lit Montagna Fir Tree comes with pre-attached micro LEDs, giving you a bright, dazzling display without chunky, obvious lights or visible wiring. 

Branch attachment and width

High-end trees often have hinged branches attached to the central pole that easily fold down for setup and storage.

This design is more convenient than hook-in branches, which require individual attachment and can be time-consuming. However, hook-in branches can save space for storage, as hinged trees never fold up quite as small as a dismantled hook-in tree.

Another consideration is the width of the tree; luxury trees always look full and bushy, primarily due to their thick branches and substantial width.

Decoration capacity and stability

Luxury trees are built to hold a significant number of decorations. The sturdy branches can support heavier ornaments without sagging, allowing you to adorn your tree with many baubles, lights, and other festive trimmings.

The central pole and base are also designed for stability, ensuring your tree stands straight and secure throughout the festive season.

When choosing a luxury tree, you’re investing in a piece that will be the centrepiece of your Christmas décor for years to come. The combination of realistic foliage, dense branch structure, and superior construction makes these trees worth every penny.

Lights & decorations guide

Once you've chosen your tree, it's time to decorate! Here are some key elements to consider.

Christmas tree toppers

The tree topper is the crowning glory of your Christmas tree. Choose from classic options like stars or angels, or opt for something more unique, such as a snowflake, bow, or even a favourite character.

The tree topper should complement your tree's overall theme and add the final touch to your beautifully decorated tree.

Baubles

It wouldn't be a Christmas tree without baubles! They come in various colours, sizes, and styles, allowing you to create a unique and personalised look. These are just some of the colours on offer at Christmas Tree World:

  • Red: Traditional and festive, red baubles bring warmth and a classic holiday feel to your tree.
  • Gold: Luxurious and elegant, gold baubles add a touch of glamour and sophistication.
  • Silver: Sleek and modern, silver baubles provide a contemporary look and reflect light beautifully.
  • Blue: Cool and serene, blue baubles offer a unique and calming effect, perfect for a winter wonderland theme.
  • Green: Natural and earthy, green baubles blend seamlessly with the tree's foliage for a cohesive look.
  • White: Pure and versatile, white baubles create a snowy effect and pair well with almost any colour scheme.
  • Black: Bold and chic, black baubles are perfect for a modern and edgy Christmas decor.
  • Pink: Fun and whimsical, pink baubles add a playful touch, ideal for a trendy and vibrant theme.

Mixing and matching these colours allows you to achieve a stunning and balanced look that complements your overall decor.

Tree skirts

Tree skirts are an often-overlooked but important part of Christmas tree decorations. They not only hide the tree stand, giving your tree a polished look, but also add a finishing touch to your tree's base.

Available in various materials, tree skirts can enhance your decor theme, whether traditional, rustic, or glamorous.

Fairy lights

Fairy lights are a must for bringing that magical glow and enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Depending on your style, you can choose warm white, cool white, or multi-coloured lights. 

Some even have fun settings like twinkling or fading effects, making your tree look even more enchanting.

Care and storage

Proper care and storage are essential to ensure your artificial tree lasts for many years. Here are some tips:

  • Disassembly: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for disassembling your tree to avoid damaging the branches or lights.
  • Cleaning: Wipe down your tree with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt before storing it away.
  • Storage bag: Invest in a high-quality storage bag to protect your tree from dust and damage.

Why choose Christmas Tree World?

At Christmas Tree World, we're dedicated to helping you create the perfect holiday atmosphere with our wide selection of high-quality artificial Christmas trees and decorations. 

Our trees are designed to be realistic, durable, and easy to set up, ensuring that you can enjoy a hassle-free festive season. With a variety of styles, sizes, and features to choose from, you'll find the perfect tree to fit your home and personal style.

Plus, our decorations, including baubles, tree skirts, wreaths and garlands, and Christmas lights, are carefully curated to complement our trees and enhance your holiday decor.

Make this holiday season unforgettable with Christmas Tree World. Browse our collection and find your perfect artificial Christmas tree today!