Christmas Trees - How to Choose an Artificial Christmas Tree
December 01, 2010 Outdoor Living 1 comment
Christmas trees are a big part of a family's holiday tradition. Maybe you and your family decorate your tree together on Christmas eve. Maybe you keep a simple tree in your home and just decorate it with sparkling lights. No matter what your Christmas tree tradition, it's important to find the right tree because it plays such a big part of getting in the holiday spirit. This post will help you out if you are looking for an artificial tree and don't know where to begin.
A tree that fits your life.
When it comes to choosing an artificial tree, there are a lot of options to consider. From size and lights to cost and space, follow these tips to narrow your search and make an informed purchase.
Price - what can I expect to pay?
Many features affect tree prices; these can include:
- Tree height
- Tip count
- Tree type
- Lighting
Any additional features you select will also increase the cost of your tree, but your investment will last for many years to come and prevent you from having to clean up dried pine needles all over your family room.
Tree Placement - How much space do I have for my tree?
Before you begin to shop for your tree, you need to have an idea where you're going to place it. Take these factors into consideration:
- Height
- Width of the area (called girth)/ diameter of base
- Size of the tree topper
Also consider having more than one tree. A smaller tree on your porch or in your entryway can really add a nice touch to the space.
Care and Safety - Artificial trees have come a long way.
Gone are the days of attaching every branch and arranging limbs and lights for hours.Today's trees are safe, practical and timesaving. Here are a few desirable features to look out for:
- Pre-lit trees are hugely time-saving
- Most Sears and Kmart trees come with Never Out Technology, keeping your tree shining even if a bulb goes out
- Setup and storage is easy but can vary by tree, look for trees that come with a storage bag
Don't forget these safety tips:
- Place your tree in an appropriately sized area
- Keep your tree away from fireplaces and heating vents
Tree Lights - To light or not to light...that is the question.
Still not sure if you want to purchase a pre-lit tree or not? Consider these points:
- Pre-lit trees can be a huge timesaver
- Unlit trees allow you to add as many lights as you want or use lights you already own
- Think about your needs and what suits you best
A Tree That Fits Your Style
Now that we've covered the logistics, it's time to think about style. You want a tree that fits your needs, your space and your tastes.
Lighting Options - Not all lights are the same.
You might not know it, but you actually have some choice when it comes to the lights on your tree. You can choose:
- Color - clear or multi-colored
- Bulb shape
- Traditional or LED (LED lights use less energy)
- Number of lights, you can find trees ranging from fewer than 100 lights to over 800 lights
Tree Size - The right tree for the right space.
From tabletop to full-sized, there are a lot of options when it comes to tree size. In order to make sure that you get the right tree size consider the following tips:
- As trees increase in height, the diameter generally increases too
- Check out Slim Trees, which offer height with a narrow diameter
Tree Materials - PE vs. PVC
When it comes to tree materials, you have two options-PE and PVC. Here's the difference...
Why PVC? PVC trees are typically less expensive and have a softer look on the needle, but a PVC tree may require a little more time to shape. The majority of artificial trees you'll find are PVC.
Why PE? A PE tree is molded with a harder type of plastic, allowing the tree to have a fuller look and shape; PE trees are generally costlier but offer a great look.
Other Choices - Who knew you had so many?
After you've made the big decisions, it's time to look at the small details. Expect to make these decisions as you shop:
- Tree stand-you can find some that are metal, plastic and even rotating
- Color-from red and purple to white and other color varieties, you'll find something that fits your style
- Natural decorations-some trees have pinecones, berries, frost and even snow clumps that add a natural element
Let Your Personal Touch Shine
Wondering what else could possibly be left? Lots! Here are just a few ideas to make your artificial tree unique to you:
One Last Thought
By deciding to purchase an artificial tree, you have already made the choice to save time and make your holiday tree setup easy. There are so many choices when purchasing artificial trees, consider using this tree selector now that you know the basics!
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