Real or artificial Christmas tree? Wirecutter on finding the right tree

Key Concepts

• Artificial Christmas Trees: Reusable, cost-effective over time, varying in realism and price.
• Natural Christmas Trees: Increasing in cost, average $65-$100.
• Tree Materials: PVC (papery, lighter, cheaper) vs. Polyethylene (more realistic). Mixed needles offer a balance.
• Tree Fullness & Shape: Importance of numerous branch tips to hide the trunk and create a natural appearance.
• Fluffing: Essential step to make artificial trees look full and natural, involving fanning out branches and sub-branches.
• Pre-lit Trees: Feature integrated lighting systems, often with "magic" connections that turn on when sections are joined.
• Flocked Trees: Artificial trees with a snow-covered effect, offering a "winter wonderland" aesthetic.
• Tree Height: Recommended to be 1-1.5 feet shorter than ceiling height. Standard popular height is 7.5 ft.

Artificial vs. Natural Christmas Trees: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

The rising cost of natural Christmas trees, averaging between $65 and $100, is leading many Americans to consider artificial trees for their reusability. While the initial investment for an artificial tree can range from $300-$400 for a basic model to $500-$600 for a premium one, this cost is offset over three to four years. Jason Chen, an editor at Wire Cutter, highlights that he has used the same artificial tree for 13 years, maintaining its original appearance.

Selecting an Artificial Christmas Tree: Realism and Material

When choosing an artificial tree, the primary goal is to simulate a natural look. Key factors to consider include:

• Shape and Fullness: A tree with abundant branch tips is crucial for concealing the trunk, which can otherwise make the tree appear sparse or "Charlie Brown"-like.
• Needle Material:
  • PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): This plastic material has a papery quality, is lighter, and more affordable. It is acceptable, especially once decorated with lights and ornaments.
  • Polyethylene: These needles offer a more realistic appearance.
  • Mixed Needles (Polyethylene and PVC): This combination provides a balance between realism and affordability, making it difficult to distinguish from real needles once decorated.

The Art of Fluffing: Maximizing Artificial Tree Realism

A critical step in making an artificial tree look its best is "fluffing." When removed from its packaging, an artificial tree often appears compressed and "sad" due to optimization for shipping. The process involves:

1. Detaching Branches: Pulling branches away from the main trunk.
2. Fanning Out Sub-branches: Individually fanning out each smaller branch.
3. Strategic Placement: Ensuring branches are fanned out in opposite directions and all around the tree to create fullness.

Wire Cutter has timed this process, estimating that it takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour for one person to optimally fluff a tree. This is presented as a worthwhile endeavor, suggesting activities like listening to music or enjoying cocoa during the process.

Wire Cutter's Top Artificial Tree Picks

Wire Cutter has identified several recommended artificial trees:

1. Balsam Hill Blue Spruce (Unlit):

   • Recommendation: For those who prefer to add their own lights.
   • Material: Entirely PVC.
   • Realism: Despite being PVC, it is noted for its good appearance.
   • Affordability: Considered pretty affordable.
   • Height: 7.5 ft tall, a popular size. The general recommendation for tree height is 1-1.5 feet shorter than the ceiling.

2. National Tree Company Pre-lit Tree:

   • Status: A long-time Wire Cutter favorite and the personal tree of Jason Chen.
   • Key Feature: "Magic" trunk connections where lights automatically turn on when sections are joined, eliminating the need for manual plug-in. This highlights advancements in pre-lit tree technology.
   • Light Distribution: Lights are well-interspersed throughout the tree.

3. King of Christmas Flocked Tree:

   • Aesthetic: Features a "flocked" effect, simulating snow coverage.
   • Realism: Described as having "magnificent fake snow" and a very real-looking appearance.
   • Consideration: Requires a vacuum to clean up any shedding "snow" during fluffing, as evidenced by a dusting on the ground during the demonstration.
   • Atmosphere: Recommended for creating a "winter wonderland" Christmas magic.

Conclusion

The discussion emphasizes that artificial Christmas trees offer a practical and cost-effective alternative to natural trees, with advancements in materials and technology significantly improving their realism. Proper selection based on needle type and fullness, coupled with diligent fluffing, are key to achieving a natural and aesthetically pleasing artificial tree. Wire Cutter's recommendations provide specific examples of trees that balance these factors, catering to different preferences for unlit, pre-lit, or uniquely styled (flocked) options.