While artificial trees may seem similar from afar, a closer look will show a substantial difference in Christmas tree material, fabrication, and durability. At Balsam Hill, we design different types of Christmas trees that cater to your needs and preferences. Whether it’s a realistic polyethylene (PE) Christmas tree that resembles your favorite evergreen or a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) one that combines quality and affordability, we have you covered. Find the best style for you in this guide.
What Is a PVC Tree?
Artificial Christmas trees used PVC needles when they were first introduced. This material is hard-pressed into thin pieces, then cut into fine, rectangular, needle-like strips. The strands are then twisted between two strings of wire to outline the tree branches.
PVC needles may appear flat and lack dimension, but because they are inexpensive, they remain a popular alternative to natural trees at their more affordable price point.
Check out Balsam Hill's Traditional Christmas trees that feature classic needle foliage here.
What is a PE Christmas Tree?
PE was introduced to the artificial tree industry several years later and is now the preferred material for replicating the look of real trees. Elaborate patterns and casts are molded using actual conifer tree branches and infused with PE, resulting in a realistic-looking tree. Unlike PVC Christmas trees, the needles of PE trees have the shape, thickness, and mass of a true tree branch.
Balsam Hill Needle Types
Inspired by various types of real Christmas trees, Balsam Hill trees use PVC and PE needles for their foliage. Learn the differences each material brings in realism and practicality.
Classic
Classic needles are made from flat PVC strips cut to resemble tree foliage with soft, flexible tips. Flat and papery, they resemble the traditional artificial Christmas tree texture you may have grown up with.
True Needle
This exclusive technology uses injection-molded PE needles to replicate the structure, texture, and color nuances of natural evergreens, resulting in lifelike tree branches and a more durable and long-lasting artificial Christmas tree.
reNEW™ trees feature the same True Needle technology, but are crafted with up to 30% post-consumer or plant-based plastic. reNEW trees offer the same design and production quality as the popular Balsam Hill trees you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PVC Safe for a Christmas Tree?
Yes. PVC is a commonly used material in artificial Christmas trees and can be considered safe when sourced from reputable brands. At Balsam Hill, all materials, including PVC, are tested to meet safety standards. For a more lifelike option, we also offer PE trees. Whichever you choose, you can count on quality and safety.
Which Is Better, PE or PVC for Christmas Trees?
PE Christmas trees are able to capture the look and feel of live Christmas trees while being durable enough to decorate and display season after season.
What Is PE on a Christmas Tree?
PE (polyethylene) is used to make lifelike needle tips and tree branches for the most realistic artificial Christmas trees. At Balsam Hill, we use our exclusive True Needle technology to replicate the color and texture of real Christmas trees.
What Is the Best Material for a Christmas Tree?
Many Christmas tree manufacturers use both PVC and PE to create beautiful artificial Christmas trees. At Balsam Hill, many of our Christmas trees feature a combination of PVC and PE to balance realism and affordability, resulting in a truly lifelike tree you'd love to invest in and display year after year.
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