Buying Guide: What to Look For
Our opinions are our own. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links. How this works
The complete walkthrough—from understanding specs to timing your purchase. Everything you need to know before buying. We cover what actually matters (and what's just marketing) so you don't waste time on specs that don't affect how your tree looks or lasts.
TL;DR
- Size matters more than you think: Leave 6-12" between your topper and ceiling. Measure your space before you fall in love with a tree.
- PE percentage = realism: 50%+ PE looks good from across the room, 70%+ looks great up close. 100% PE is gorgeous but expensive.
- Light count creates the vibe: 100+ lights per foot = dense magical glow. 70-90 per foot = classic Christmas look.
- Control systems vary wildly: App control is cool but can be finicky. Foot pedals are underrated for families with kids.
- Buy in January if you can: Post-holiday sales are real. Premium trees drop 30-50% off retail.
What Actually Matters (And What's Just Marketing)
Let's be honest: artificial tree shopping is overwhelming. Every brand claims theirs is the "most realistic," "easiest to assemble," and "best value." Here's what actually affects how your tree looks, how long it lasts, and whether you'll curse its existence every December.
Size and Fit
Height: Measure floor to ceiling, subtract 12 inches minimum. That's for your topper plus breathing room. If you love dramatic 10" toppers, subtract more.
Quick reference:
- 8' ceilings → 6.5-7' tree
- 9' ceilings → 7.5' tree
- 10' ceilings → 9' tree
- 12' ceilings → 10-12' tree
Width: This catches people off guard. A 7.5' "full" tree can be 60"+ wide. That's 5 feet of floor space.
- Full shape: 52-65" wide — fills big rooms, corners, bay windows
- Slim: 38-48" wide — still looks lush if you fluff it properly
- Pencil: 20-30" wide — hallways, small apartments, second trees
Visual comparison: Full vs Slim vs Pencil tree shapes and their footprints
Pro tip: Tape out the diameter on your floor before you buy. See if you can walk around it comfortably. You need ~30" of clearance for main walkways.
Realism: PE vs PVC (And Why It Matters)
PE (Polyethylene): Molded from real branch cuttings. Looks realistic because it is realistic. More expensive.
PVC: Extruded plastic strips. Fills volume cheaply but looks obviously fake up close.
The sweet spot: 50-70% PE blend. PE on the outer tips where people see it, PVC on the inner branches for fullness and structure.
Reality check:
- Under 30% PE → Looks plastic-y unless you cover it in ornaments
- 50-60% PE → Good from 6+ feet away, fine for most families
- 70%+ PE → Looks great up close, worth it if you host
- 100% PE → Stunning but $$$$. Only worth it if you care a lot or have a large visible tree
PE needles (left) have natural texture and color variation. PVC needles (right) are uniform and glossy.
Lights: Color, Count, and Control
Color Temperature
Warm white (2700-3000K): Cozy, traditional, candlelight vibe. Most popular.
Cool white (4000-5000K): Bright, modern, icy. Reads brighter at the same bulb count.
RGB/Multicolor: Can do warm white and colors. Fun for kids, great for theme switching. Requires good controls or it's annoying.
Color temperature comparison: Warm white (cozy), Cool white (modern), Multicolor (festive)
How Many Lights?
Classic look: 70-90 lights per foot. For a 7.5' tree, that's 525-675 bulbs.
Dense/magical look: 100-120+ lights per foot. Same 7.5' tree = 750-900+ bulbs.
Reality: More isn't always better. Too many warm lights can look orange. Too many cool lights can feel like a hospital.
Light density comparison: Classic (70/ft), Dense (100/ft), Ultra-dense (130/ft)
Control Systems
App control: Schedules, scenes, effects. Cool when it works. Can be glitchy. Requires WiFi or Bluetooth pairing.
Remote control: Simple, reliable. Keep spare batteries. Loses signal through thick trees sometimes.
Foot pedal: Underrated. Great for families—kids can turn it on/off without crawling under branches.
Built-in timers: Set it and forget it. No phone required.
Control options: Foot pedal (left), remote (center), app control (right)
Construction: What Holds Up (And What Doesn't)
Branch Types
Hinged: Most common now. Branches fold down like an umbrella. Fast setup. Easier storage.
Hook-in: Old school. Each branch attaches individually. Takes forever but lets you control fullness more precisely.
Memory wire: Spring-loaded branches that "remember" their shape. Cuts fluffing time significantly in year two and beyond.
Trunk and Stand
Metal center pole: Standard. Should be thick enough it doesn't wobble.
Foldable stand: Usually included. Fine on hardwood/tile. Can tip on thick carpet—consider a tree mat or platform.
Power Pole/Easy Plug systems: Sections connect power internally. Fewer cords. Way cleaner look on big trees (9'+).
Assembly and Fluffing (The Part They Don't Warn You About)
First-year setup: 45-90 minutes depending on size and how picky you are.
Fluffing tips:
- Work trunk to tip, bottom to top
- Pinch 3-5 needle clusters together to hide gaps
- Angle branches slightly upward toward light
- Step back every 10 minutes to check for bare spots
Year two is faster: If you store it properly and it has memory wire, you're looking at 20-40 minutes.
Essential storage: Quality storage box, stand cover, light cord organizer, and moisture control help your tree last 5+ years
Timing Your Purchase
Best prices:
- January (post-holiday clearance): 30-50% off retail
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday: 20-40% off, but popular sizes sell out
- Early November: Full selection, occasional 15-20% promos
Worst time:
- Mid-December: Prices go up, stock is picked over, shipping is slow
Pro move: Buy last year's model in January. Same tree, half price. Premium brands release new styles every 2-3 years, not annually.
Warranties and Returns
What to expect:
- 2-3 years for premium brands (Balsam Hill, King of Christmas)
- 1 year for budget brands (Home Depot house brands, Amazon basics)
What's usually covered: Manufacturing defects, broken branches, light strand failures
What's NOT covered: Normal wear, damage from improper storage, your dog chewing the cord
Key: Keep your receipt and register the product. Some brands void warranties if you don't register within 30 days.
Where to Buy
Direct from brand: Best customer service, full warranty support, sometimes exclusive models. Can be pricier.
Retailers (Costco, Home Depot, Wayfair): Competitive pricing, easier returns, sales tax usually included. Warranty support goes through the brand.
Amazon: Huge selection, fast shipping. Returns are easy. Watch for third-party sellers with inflated prices.
Outlet/Clearance: Great deals but selection is random. Check for damage before buying.
Final Thoughts
You're going to live with this tree for 5-15 years. It's worth spending an extra hour researching and an extra $100-200 to get one you actually love.
Don't cheap out on: PE percentage (if realism matters), light controls (you'll use them daily), branch construction (affects how it looks year after year)
Feel free to save on: Ornate stands (you'll cover it), fancy boxes (use your own bins), extended warranties past 3 years (trees either break early or last forever)
Questions? Check out our other guides on lights and controls, realism and build quality, or setup and storage.