Transparent Process

Our methodology

How we score and rank Christmas trees to help you make the best choice for your home.

Our scoring system

Every tree variant is evaluated on a 100-point performance scale

Our performance score evaluates each tree variant based on quality metrics alone—no price considerations. This gives you a clear picture of what you're getting, separate from what you're paying.

Note: Scores are calculated per-variant since different configurations have different features. Value is shown separately so you can judge quality and price independently.

Scoring rubric

Realism

PE percentage and fullness rating

30 pts

Lighting

Light density, color modes, effects, and controls

30 pts

Convenience

Easy-plug, remote, foot pedal, timer, memory wire, stand

20 pts

Durability

Warranty coverage and light technology

20 pts

Category details

Realism (30% of score)

How natural and lifelike does the tree look?

PE percentage (80%): Higher PE content = more realistic needles. Full credit at 70%+ PE.
Fullness rating (20%): Editorial assessment of visual density—very full, full, moderate, or sparse.

We don't rely on tip counts since manufacturers count them inconsistently.

Lighting (30% of score)

Quality and features of built-in lights. Unlit trees are scored without this category.

Light density (30%): Lights per square foot of tree surface area.
Color mode (25%): RGB/dual-color score higher than single-color.
Effects (20%): Dimming and twinkle capabilities.
Controls (25%): App control, remote, foot pedal availability.

Convenience (20% of score)

How easy is it to set up and use the tree daily?

Easy-plug/trunk-wired (25%): Single connection vs. multiple plug sections.
Remote control (20%): Control lights without reaching the tree.
Foot pedal (15%): Hands-free on/off switching.
Timer (15%): Set-and-forget automated lighting.
Memory wire (15%): Branches hold their shape, reducing setup time.
Stand quality (10%): Rolling base, upgraded stand features.

Durability (20% of score)

How long will the tree last?

Frame warranty (45%): Longer warranty = more manufacturer confidence. 5+ years is excellent.
Light warranty (25%): Coverage for pre-lit light failures.
Light technology (30%): LED outlasts incandescent significantly.

Value Index

Performance and price, separately

We show value as a separate index rather than baking it into the performance score. This lets you see quality and price as independent factors.

Formula: (Performance ÷ Median Performance) ÷ (Price ÷ Median Price)

1.5+ (Excellent): Significantly more performance per dollar than average
1.2-1.5 (Good): Better than average value
0.9-1.2 (Average): Expected performance for the price
0.7-0.9 (Below Average): Less performance per dollar
<0.7 (Poor): Significantly overpriced for what you get

Scoring unlit trees

Unlit trees are evaluated on Realism (45%), Convenience (25%), and Durability (30%)—the lighting category is excluded entirely rather than scored as zero.

This means unlit trees are compared fairly on the same 100-point scale, judged only on categories that apply to them.

The Goldleaf Seal

Trees that score 90+ and excel across all categories earn our Goldleaf Seal. This designation is reserved for the absolute best—trees that combine exceptional realism, quality, and value.

This is the highest honor we award, reserved for the exceptional few.