
At Balsam Hill™, we design artificial Christmas trees that cater to your needs and preferences. Whether it’s a realistic Christmas tree that resembles your favorite evergreen or a traditional one that combines quality and budget, we have you covered. Find what style is best for you in this guide to foliage types and realism.
Needle Type
The first artificial Christmas trees featured papery polyvinyl chloride (PVC) needles. After some time, polyethylene (PE) trees gained popularity as a more lifelike alternative. Learn more about the two types below.

Classic Needles
Classic needles are made from flat PVC strips cut to resemble tree foliage.
Pros:
- Soft, flexible tips with a traditional artificial Christmas tree look
- More affordable
- Flat and papery texture

True Needle™
Created by Balsam Hill, these injection-molded PE needles mimic the structure, texture, and color variations of natural evergreens.
Pros:
- Recreates the dimension and detail of real tree branches
- More durable and long-lasting than PVC
- Costs more than PVC Christmas trees
Levels of Realism
Most artificial trees feature a combination of PVC and PE needles—the more lifelike the tree, the higher the PE count. Balsam Hill Christmas trees are categorized into three levels of realism:

Traditional
Our most cost-effective trees feature 100% Classic Needle (PVC) foliage.
SHOP TRADITIONAL TREES »
Realistic
With up to 65% True Needle (PE) foliage mixed with Classic Needle (PVC), these trees strike the right balance between realism and budget.
SHOP REALISTIC TREES »
Most Realistic
These have more than 65% True Needle (PE) foliage for outstanding realism, with Classic Needles (PVC) near the trunk for added fullness.
SHOP MOST REALISTIC TREES »Tree Species
We use real branch clippings as our guide in crafting highly realistic Christmas trees that remind you of your favorite tree species.
Fir

FEATURED: BH BALSAM FIR
Fir tree branches grow densely, concealing its trunk. Flat, flexible needles sprout singly from the stem and feature blunt ends. They grow in a spiral pattern up to the tip of each branch, giving fir trees a lush appearance.
Ideal for: Those who prefer fewer ornaments on their treeSpruce

FEATURED: WOODLAND SPRUCE
A spruce tree has rough branches and needles that sprout individually from the stems. Unlike firs, spruce needles have pointed tips and four sides, which make them easy to roll between your fingers.
Ideal for: Those who like the classic full tree shape and have heavier ornamentsPine

FEATURED: SCOTCH PINE
Pine trees have sparser branches around the trunk. Soft, long needles are attached to the stem in clusters of two, three, or five.
Ideal for: Those who want to showcase more Christmas tree decorationsColor

FEATURED: CALIFORNIA BABY REDWOOD TREE & BH FROSTED FRASER FIR
Like real trees, Balsam Hill trees come in different shades of green depending on the tree species. We also offer flocked and white trees to suit special Christmas decorating themes.
Green

FEATURED: SILVERADO SLIM
Our best-selling green Christmas trees take after the varied hues of favorite evergreens. For instance, the Silverado Slim has medium green tips, while the Scotch Pine has a combination of dark and light green foliage. Some trees are multi-toned, like the Fraser Fir with dark green tips and silver undersides and the Blue Spruce with blue green and silvery needles.
DECORATING TIP
Frosted

FEATURED: FROSTED ALPINE BALSAM FIR
Inspired by the wintry outdoors, our frosted Christmas trees are flocked with light layers of faux snow. They feature the same Classic Needle and True Needle foliage as the rest of our trees.
DECORATING TIP
White

FEATURED: DENALI WHITE CHRISTMAS TREE
An alternative to traditional green trees, white foliage is a versatile backdrop for unique ornaments and playful themes. Decorate for year-round occasions such as Easter, birthday parties, sporting events, and more.
DECORATING TIP
We hope this helps you find the Balsam Hill Christmas tree that’s right for you. For any questions or concerns, please contact us here.
Want to see and feel the branches for yourself? Purchase our Branch Sample Kit to compare actual branch clippings in the comfort of your home. Learn more here.
FURTHER READING
Here are other resources to help you find your perfect Christmas tree:
CHOOSING AN ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREE: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
CHRISTMAS TREE SIZES: HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT HEIGHT & SHAPE FOR YOUR HOME