This is where the Vermont White Spruce earns its reputation. Balsam Hill doesn't always publish PE percentages, but as part of their "Most Realistic" tier, this tree delivers at least 70% PE—and it shows. The realistic needles dominate the outer portions of each branch, with traditional PVC relegated to the interior where it adds fullness without compromising the natural look.

What sets this apart from many competitors is the branch structure itself. Rather than a single main branch with tips radiating out, each branch effectively has three sub-branches that can be positioned independently (lighting wiring permitting). This allows you to fill gaps and create genuine depth as you fluff. The branches angle upward rather than drooping, mimicking a healthy spruce and providing sturdy support for ornaments of any weight.

The downside? That dense, realistic appearance doesn't come ready out of the box. You're looking at 2-4 hours of branch positioning and shaping, and yes, you actually need to do it properly. Multiple reviewers noted panic when first unpacking, only to be amazed after putting in the fluffing work.

The Vermont White Spruce comes with Balsam Hill's trunk-wired Easy Plug system, which means all the light connections run through the trunk and you only plug the tree itself into the wall. The Color+Clear option (available on most variants) is the standout feature here—you can display traditional multicolor lights, switch to all clear, or run both simultaneously for a two-tone effect.

The light count is genuinely impressive. Our tested 8-foot model had 1,880 LEDs, and the tree can handle it—you get a beautiful glow without looking washed out. The dimmer function is actually useful if you find it too bright. Controls are everywhere: foot pedal at the base, a control panel on the trunk, and a remote.

The one quirk: the clear lights are neutral white, not warm white. They're not harsh or cool-toned, but if you're expecting that cozy incandescent warmth, these won't deliver it. The multicolor lights also lean slightly cool. When you run both Color+Clear modes together, roughly two out of every five lights switch to clear, creating a warmer overall tone—but it's still not what you'd call warm white.

Assembly is straightforward—the tree comes in sections that stack together via the trunk-wired system. A modern stand with rubber feet (no annoying screw hooks) keeps things stable. The real time investment is fluffing those branches, which is not optional if you want the tree to look like the photos.

Storage is a mixed bag. Balsam Hill includes heavy-duty storage bags (two for the 8-foot size), and they're genuinely well-made. The problem is fitting the tree back in after it's been fluffed and used. Multiple reviewers mentioned struggling to repack, with some opting to buy larger aftermarket bags. The tree ships in two boxes for the 8-foot variant at just over 100 pounds total, so plan your storage space accordingly.

The Vermont White Spruce comes with a 3-year warranty covering the tree and factory-installed lights. Most reviewers report years of reliable use, though there are scattered reports of light strand failures. These seem to be the exception rather than the rule, but the trunk-wired system means troubleshooting can be tedious—you may need to check each bulb on an entire strand to find the culprit.

The PE and PVC construction holds up well. While some needle shedding is normal during initial setup and fluffing, most users report minimal shedding in subsequent years. The branches themselves are sturdy, though a few reviewers noted you still need to be gentle when removing ornaments to avoid breakage.

This is an expensive tree, even during Balsam Hill's frequent sales. You're paying premium prices for premium materials and features. For families who want the most realistic artificial tree they can get, with the flexibility of multiple lighting modes and the durability to last 10+ years, the Vermont White Spruce justifies its cost.

Best for: Families who prioritize realism, want generous lighting with flexible color options, have heavy ornament collections, and don't mind investing serious time in setup and fluffing.

Skip it if: You want a tree that's ready to go in 30 minutes, you need warm white LED lights specifically, you're working with limited storage space, or you're looking for budget-friendly options.