White front porch with various artificial greenery wreaths, garlands, and topiaries

Wreaths, garlands, and other greenery are staple Christmas decorations in many homes. They add holiday cheer and put the finishing touches to entryways, living rooms, and more. Artificial greenery is a great option if you want something that lasts for years. They’re also a good alternative if you have allergies or pets that may accidentally ingest the foliage.

Balsam Hill® offers different types of greenery. This guide shows you how to choose the best ones for your home—from sizing to care and storage.

Types

Many of our wreaths and garlands match specific artificial Christmas trees. They share the same needle, color, and texture. Some are part of collections that include swags, potted greenery, hanging baskets, and window boxes. Pre-lit and unlit options are both available to suit your preferences.

Fraser Fir artificial wreath with lights

Wreath

An arrangement set on a circular base with a metal frame backing

Shop Wreaths »
Norway Spruce artificial garland with lights

Garland

An elongated arrangement with a flexible spine and can be connected with other garlands

Shop Garlands »
Artificial evergreen swag with red berries and pinecones

Swag & Teardrop

A cluster arrangement designed to hang downward or lie flat

Shop Swags & Teardrops »
Potted artificial greenery magnolia with red berries and pinecones

Potted Foliage

An arrangement set inside a decorative container

Shop Potted Foliage »
Artificial evergreens with red berries and pinecones in a hanging basket

Hanging Basket

An arrangement set inside a basket with a metal chain for hanging

Shop Hanging Baskets »
Artificial Christmas greenery with ornaments in a window box

Window Box

An arrangement set inside a metal planter with adjustable holders

Shop Window Boxes »
Miniature artificial Christmas tree in a pot

Potted Trees

A miniature tree, usually 3 to 5 feet high, set inside a decorative planter

Shop Potted Trees »

Sizing

pre-lit artificial greenery wreaths of different sizes with various decorative accents

Size is as important as style when decorating with faux greenery. Below are measuring guides to help you determine the size you need. Take note that these measurements are after fluffing and shaping.

How Do I Choose a Wreath Size?

Wreaths are typically displayed on doors, but you can also hang them on walls or set them on the mantel. Balsam Hill artificial wreaths range from 18 inches to 60 inches in diameter.

18 to 26 inches

Best wreaths for front doors measuring 30 to 36 inches wide (standard size). Hang two of these wreaths for double doors. This size range is also ideal for smaller mantels less than 5 feet wide.

28 to 34 inches

Suitable for a larger entryway or if you want a slightly oversized wreath for your standard door. Best for average-sized mantels up to 6 feet.

36 to 42 inches

Recommended for oversized doors. A 36-inch wreath fits flush with the width of a standard-size door. This is also a good option for larger mantels around 6 feet long.

48 to 60 inches

Ideal for wider spaces like walls with high ceilings or above large fireplace mantels.

What Length of Garland Do I Need?

Garlands are flexible and can be draped over doors, banisters, or mantels. Balsam Hill garlands range from 6 feet to 10 feet long, and most can be linked together to make a longer garland if needed.

5 to 7 feet

Recommended for standard doors or mantels. Connect several for a longer garland.

8 to 10 feet

Suitable for wider archways and double doors. Use this if you want the garlands to gather at the bottom.

Tips

Watch this video and learn how to determine the right size of wreath and garland for your front door:

For Greenery Wreaths:

Measure the height and width of the space where it will be displayed. A wreath should cover 50 to 75% of the space’s width and shouldn’t be wider or taller than the hanging surface.

  • For a standard 30 to 36-inch door, allot about 6 inches of space on each side of the wreath for a simple look.
  • For a more dramatic effect, choose a bigger wreath but leave at least 2 inches of space on each side.

For Greenery Garlands:

Use string or yarn as a placeholder. The length you end up with is the same size you need for your garland.

  • To wrap around an object (a porch column, for example), use twice as much length of foliage as the height of the object.
  • For a flat surface, allot 2 feet on each end to hang off the edge.
  • To hang on a line, plan for roughly 1.5 to 2 feet of garland for every foot of draping space to allow for slack.
  • Make sure the garland’s thickness doesn’t under- or overwhelm the area. Consider double layers or opt for a swag or teardrop if you want a fuller look.

Foliage

Our artificial greenery collection features varying levels of realism and styles. Many are designed after the foliage of real tree species, from the shape and texture of the needles to the nuances in color.

Needle Type

We categorize needle types according to the material used. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) needles are flat and papery, while PE (polyethylene) needles have more dimension. Some artificial greenery feature a combination of both—the more realistic the foliage, the higher the PE count.

realistic Christmas tree needles

True Needle®

Exclusive to Balsam Hill, these injection-molded PE needles mimic the structure, texture, and color variations of natural evergreens

Traditional PVC Christmas tree needles

Classic Needle

Soft, flat, and flexible PVC needles with a more classic artificial Christmas tree look

Levels of Realism

Most realistic artificial greenery wreath with red berries

Most Realistic

These wreaths and garlands feature our exclusive True Needle foliage, made from PE tips that mimic the structure and color of natural evergreen needles.

Shop Most Realistic Wreaths & Garlands »
Traditional artificial Christmas greenery with pinecones

Traditional

Affordable faux greenery with the same Balsam Hill quality, made from classic PVC needles for a full and lush look

Shop Traditional Wreaths & Garlands »

Other Considerations

a Christmas-themed wreath and garland on a white front door

Holiday/Christmas

Christmas greenery with ornaments, green or frosted foliage, and other holiday accents

Shop Holiday Wreaths & Garlands »
an artificial floral wreath and garland pair in a dining room

Spring

Features bright and lifelike handcrafted spring blooms on a bed of mixed faux greenery

Shop Spring Wreaths & Garlands »
fall-themed greenery wreath and garland on a front door

Fall

Lush arrangements featuring artificial foliage, flowers, and fruits in autumn colors

Shop Fall Wreaths & Garlands »
Magnolia leaves faux greenery wreath and garland

Outdoor-Safe

UV-protected to prolong color and beauty when displayed outdoors

Shop Outdoor-Safe Wreaths & Garlands »

Lights

Balsam Hill offers pre-lit artificial greenery in several lighting options to suit your decorating style. These are professionally hand-strung with UL-listed bulbs for both indoor and outdoor use. Some models are battery-operated and include a timer for convenience.

decorated greenery wreath with clear LED lights and pinecones

LED

Energy-efficient LED lights emit a warm, candle-like glow. Comes in clear and multicolor options.

decorated greenery wreath with clear lights

Regular

Classic incandescent lights are specially designed so that if one bulb burns, the rest stay lit. Comes in clear and multicolor options.

an unlit artificial wreath with faux apple and berry accents

Unlit

No lights built in, so you can add your own or leave it unlit.

Set-Up

woman fixing a decorated artificial wreath on a white wall

How to Unbox Your New Wreath & Garland

Your faux greenery will arrive at your door in a box. Here’s how to prepare for set-up:

Step 1|Look for the sign on the box indicating which end to open.

Step 2|Carefully cut the seal and open the box flaps.

Step 3|Pull the greenery out of its box. Take note that it’s compressed for packing and needs to be fluffed.

Step 4|Inspect and identify the plug or battery box if applicable.

Step 5|Make sure to keep the extra bulbs in a safe place in case you need them.

Insider’s Tip

After unboxing, you’ll notice that the foliage is compressed in its packaging. Artificial wreaths and garlands need to be fluffed and reshaped to give them a fuller, realistic look. Head to our Greenery Fluffing Guide here.

How to Hang Wreaths & Garlands

Balsam Hill wreaths have wire frames, while garlands have spines that support the foliage when hung on hooks or strings.

If you’re concerned about damage to surfaces, there are ways to hang wreaths and garlands without making holes.

Wreath & Garland Hangers:

Wreath and garland hangers are made specifically to go over doors. This means you don’t have to drill holes or hang greenery from a nail.

Balsam Hill double-sided wreath hanger on door

The Adjustable Metal Wreath Hanger extends up to 25 inches in length and can carry wreaths weighing up to 20 pounds.

Balsam Hill garland hanger on door

A garland hanger is also an efficient way to hang garlands on the doorframe. Balsam Hill garland hangers are available for both single and double doors. They feature adjustable frames to fit the width of your door.

Care & Storage

decorated greenery wreath and garland on a mantel

How to Care for Greenery

It’s best to clean your artificial foliage before packing it away. Here’s how:

Step 1|Use a hair dryer on cool setting to blow dust away from the tips. Or, gently remove dust from surfaces with a non-shed microfiber or feather duster.

Step 2|With a light hand, wipe the larger decorations such as leaves and ornaments individually with a microfiber cloth to remove any dirt build-up.

Step 3|Compress by flattening tips to make it easier to fit into your storage container.

Step 4|Cover your greenery in plastic for extra protection. Include a couple of desiccant pouches to keep it dry and protected from moisture damage.

Insider’s Tip

Pick a dark, dry, and cool place to store your greenery. Avoid areas that change temperature or are exposed to direct sunlight to prevent damage.

How to Store Wreaths & Garlands

Balsam Hill wreath storage bag

Store your foliage properly so that it retains its shape and beauty season after season. If you don’t have the original box anymore, use specially designed storage bags. These are made of sturdy material with padding and secure openings to keep your artificial greenery intact and safe.

Need Help?

We hope this guide helps you choose the best artificial greenery for your home. For any questions, reach out to us here.

SHOP WREATHS, GARLANDS, AND OTHER GREENERY

Learn More

Find more ideas on how you can decorate with artificial greenery wreaths and garlands. Read these next:

The Best Places for Hanging Wreaths at Home

How to Decorate Christmas Garlands and Wreaths

Updating Your Seasonal Decorations? How to Transition from One Season to the Next