How and where to find the best artificial Christmas tree this holiday season
It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas.
One key Christmas decor item is, of course, a Christmas tree. If you're not into using a real one, artificial Christmas trees are a great, reusable choice.
But what are the best options for you? "Good Morning America" tapped Antoinette Boston, a holiday decor expert and pro tree-decorator, as well as Josephine Kim, Balsam Hill director of merchandising for trees and greenery, to help us find the best trees and learn how to style them.
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Choosing a tree
"When it comes to choosing a tree, the best type is one that resonates with your personality and decorating style," Kim told "Good Morning America" in an email. "Other considerations are determining the space you'll be placing your tree -- do you have the space for a small tree or a tall one?"
"A good rule of thumb is to have at least 6 inches between the top of your tree and the ceiling," she continued. "This also accounts for a topper or any decorative stand that adds height to the tree. So, if you have the standard 9-foot ceiling and a 12-inch angel topper, you'd want a 7.5-foot Christmas tree. We measure our trees from the stand to the topmost tip."
Kim also pointed to factors like levels of realism, species, color and pre-lit trees versus unlit ones.
In terms of realism, Balsam Hill offers trees ranging from traditional to most realistic.
"PVC needles are flat and papery while polyethylene, or PE, needles have more dimension," Kim said. "Some trees feature a combination of both -- the more realistic the tree, the higher the PE count."
As with finding a real tree, the experts said you should consider the species that suits your style best, from spruces to pines as well as their colors (a noble fir has a grey tint to it, for example, whereas a blue fir leans blue-green).
Additionally, Boston recommended considering your intended decor.
"If you enjoy a heavily decorated tree, the type of tree is less important because you'll hardly see it," Boston told "GMA" in an email. "If you enjoy more tree showing, pick an option that has wispy tips that extend past the branches."
How to decorate your artificial Christmas tree
Boston said her favorite decorations for artificial trees are larger ornaments -- round baubles measuring 4 to 8 inches that "fill the tree quickly." Boston said she also adds ribbon for a "touch of luxury" and floral or themed stems inserted into the tree to "add a layer of dimension and fill empty spots."
Additionally, Boston suggested using real or faux cedar branches throughout the tree to make it look more realistic. "The real branches will also give your tree the nostalgic Christmas tree smell," she said.
As for those with a green tree who want a snowy or flocked tree instead, she recommended adding flocked stems and sprays. "This will give the illusion of a flocked tree and allow for either green or flocked in the future without having to purchase a second tree," she said.
To help save time, Boston recommended buying a pre-lit tree.
"After purchasing lights separately, you've now spent the same amount as a pre-lit tree, and you still have to spend an hour or more stringing the lights," she said.
Inspired to start your Christmas decor shopping? Continue below to shop our picks!
Artifical Christmas trees
6.5ft. Pre-Lit Flocked Virginia Pine Artificial Christmas Tree, Clear Lights
- $165.99
- $459.99
- Michaels
Best Choice Products 6ft Pre-Lit Pre-Decorated Spruce Hinged Artificial Christmas Tree w/ 798 Tips, Pinecones, Berries, 250 Lights, Metal Base
- $109.99
- $129.99
- Amazon
Ornaments and ribbons
Florals, stems and sprays
Tree toppers
