When considering how to choose an artificial Christmas tree, it’s essential to pick one that suits your style and lasts for many seasons. This guide will help you make the right choice for your home.
Let’s find your perfect tree with our Tree Finder Quiz
Height
A good rule of thumb is to have at least 12 inches between the top of your tree and the ceiling. This also accounts for a topper or any decorative stand that adds height to the tree. At Balsam Hill, we measure our trees from the stand to the topmost tip.
6.5 ft and Under
Ideal for compact spaces, corners, or rooms with low ceilings
7 to 9 ft
Suited for average to high ceilings and most living rooms
10 to 14 ft
Best for spacious rooms or vaulted ceilings where you want a grand focal point
15 to 18 ft
Perfect for public spaces or large entryways that call for dramatic impact
Shape
A tree’s shape gives you a general idea of how much room it takes up. Go for a narrow or slim Christmas tree for limited spaces and a wide, full-sized one if you have a spacious area. Calculate your available floor space and check it against the dimensions of our Christmas trees.
1. Full
The most popular shape, with the classic profile of natural Christmas trees.
2. Narrow
Traditional full trees made narrower to fit compact spaces.
3. Slim
Tall, slender trees with a sleek, elegant profile designed for tight spaces and corners.
4. Wide
Fuller silhouette ideal for larger spaces and hanging more or heavier ornaments.
5. Sparse
Lifelike trees with spaces between branches to showcase ornaments.
6. Flatback
Space-savers that look like a full-shaped tree but rest flat against a wall or corner.
Realism
We design many Balsam Hill trees after real species—from the shape and texture of the needles to the nuances in color. Best of all, they stay evergreen and need little to no maintenance.
Most Realistic
True to nature from tip to trunk, crafted to capture the beauty of real Christmas trees.
Realistic
Features a mix of foliage for realism and fullness, perfect for your Christmas celebrations.
Traditional
Classic Christmas tree designs that bring timeless holiday charm and great value.
Needle Type
We categorize needle types according to the material used. PVC needles are flat and papery, while polyethylene (PE) needles offer more dimension. Look at close-up photos or check our Branch Sample Kit to learn more.
True Needle®
Injection-molded PE needles that mimic the structure, texture, and color variations of real trees.
Classic Needle
Soft, flat, and flexible proprietary PET needles with a more classic artificial Christmas tree look.
Our reNEW™ Commitment
In 2025, we rolled out our reNEW commitment across all True Needle technology, transitioning to a minimum of 30% recycled or 95% plant-based polyethylene (PE).
Species
Certain species may hold special meaning because they remind you of the Christmas tree you had growing up. That’s why we use nature as inspiration and create molds from real branch clippings to make lifelike artificial Christmas trees.
Fir
Dense branches with flat and flexible needles sprouting individually from the stem.
Spruce
Rough branches with sharp, four-sided needle points.
Pine
Sparser branches around the trunk, with thin, clustered needles attached to the stem.
Color
Depending on the species, real trees come in different shades of green, and the same is true for Balsam Hill trees. For instance, the Blue Spruce has blue-green needles, while the Noble Fir has a gray tint to it. Some trees are multi-toned, like the Fraser fir, with dark green tips and silver undersides.
Green
Well-loved green trees in various hues, depending on the species.
White
White branches to make your ornaments pop.
Frosted
Lightly flocked trees with a dusting of faux snow.
Lights
We also offer different Christmas tree lighting options to complement the rest of your holiday decorations.
Pre-Lit
Comes with either incandescent or LED lights, which differ in efficiency and longevity. LED lights consume less electricity and produce less heat than incandescent bulbs.
Unlit
Gives you the freedom to experiment with lights. For easier set-up, go for trees with Simple String® technology. Just plug in compatible light strings, and you have a custom pre-lit tree for next year.
Learn more about our Christmas tree light types
Set-Up
To make your set-up easier, we’ve incorporated exclusive technology in our premium artificial Christmas trees.
Flip Trees®
No more heavy lifting—just wheel the tree base into place on a built-in rolling stand, easily flip it over, and attach the smaller treetop.
Easy Plug®
Light strings automatically connect through the trunk, so the only plug you need is the one that goes into the wall.
Pre-Fluffed®
Each tree is professionally hand-shaped before shipping. Strong memory wire branches fan out as you set up, so fluffing takes less time.
Why Choose Balsam Hill Artificial Christmas Trees?
Special Welcome Kit
Each Balsam Hill Christmas tree comes with a lightweight premium steel stand, soft cotton gloves for fluffing, and storage bag/s for the off-season. Pre-lit trees are also shipped with extra bulbs and fuses.
The Best Warranty
Enjoy a 3-year warranty on all non-clearance trees. This covers the quality of tree frame, foliage, hinges, stand, and repair or replacement of lights on pre-lighted Christmas trees. Visit our warranty page to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose a Quality Artificial Christmas Tree?
Focus on materials, such as PE needles for realism, high branch tip count for fullness, branch flexibility and sturdiness, and a comprehensive warranty for peace of mind.
What Is a Good Tip Count for an Artificial Tree?
It varies by tree height, but in general, the higher the tip count, the fuller and more realistic the tree will appear. For example, a 7.5-foot tree with 1,500 to 2,500 tips typically looks lush and natural.
How Much Should I Spend on an Artificial Tree?
The price of an artificial tree can range from $100 to over $1,000, depending on size, realism, and features like lighting or storage bags. How much you should spend on a lifelike tree ultimately depends on your budget and desired quality.
Which Artificial Christmas Tree Looks Most Realistic?
Balsam Hill trees made with our True Needle technology, are widely recognized for their realism. They're designed to mimic the color, texture, and structure of real evergreen needles, often featuring various tip variations and full silhouettes.
How Do True Needles and Classic Needles Compare in Terms of Realism?
PE (polyethylene) needles are molded to mimic the shape, texture, and color of real evergreen needles, making them look highly realistic up close. Since 2025, Balsam Hill’s PE True Needle tips have been made with at least 30% recycled or 95% plant-based plastic. Our proprietary PET Classic Needles, on the other hand, are flatter and cut from sheets, giving them a more traditional, classic appearance.
Which Is the Best Artificial Christmas Tree to Buy?
The best artificial Christmas tree is the one that fits your space, style, and budget. When learning how to pick an artificial Christmas tree, weigh height, shape, realism, needle type, and lighting together. Balsam Hill trees are known for lifelike foliage and True Needle technology, making them a dependable choice for a realistic artificial Christmas tree that lasts for many seasons.
What's the Best Time of Year to Buy an Artificial Christmas Tree?
Early fall through Black Friday and Cyber Monday typically offers the widest selection and the best pricing. Popular sizes and styles can sell out as the season progresses, so shopping early gives you the most options. Balsam Hill also runs seasonal promotions, making autumn an ideal time to use this Christmas tree buying guide and secure the tree you want.
Should I Buy a Balsam Hill Tree?
If you want a realistic artificial Christmas tree built to last, Balsam Hill is a strong choice. Balsam Hill trees feature lifelike branch construction, premium needle materials, a 3-year warranty, and a welcome kit with a steel stand, gloves, and storage. These artificial Christmas tree branch tips and quality details are why many shoppers consider Balsam Hill the standard for realism.
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