Decorating A White Pine Christmas Tree
We Spent Two Days Assembling Artificial Christmas Trees—These are Our 8 Favorites
We turned our lab into an artificial tree forest to find the best-looking picks
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong Artificial Christmas trees can be an efficient way to bring the holiday spirit indoors without the hassle of vacuuming pine needles and watering every day. While shopping for an artificial tree might seem like a no-brainer, there are things to consider like "real-life" quality, budget, and setup. To put today's trees on the market to the test, we purchased eight Christmas trees and tested them in The Lab for over 16 hours to see how they looked and performed. For each tree, we did a timed setup, assessed lighting quality, noted its realistic appearance, hung heavy ornaments to see if the branches sustained weight, and then timed how long it took to package every tree back into its box. After judging each tree's test individually, we compiled all of our data into one overall score—you'll see that none of the trees ended up with a perfect score. Some of the best-looking trees were difficult to assemble, while some of the easiest trees to set up had lighting issues or had branches that left gaps to be filled by decorations. We think our highest scoring trees are still excellent, festive options, but if you're looking for a smaller tree or need all of the lighting options available, we've got those for you, too. According to our testing results, here are the best artificial Christmas trees on the market today. Our Top Picks The tree's PowerConnect technology reduced the set-up time in our tests and eliminated clunky plugs for its 750 lights. Read Review Our testers agreed that National Tree Company's Feel Real needles really made this option stand out from the rest. Read Review The most realistic of our tested trees, this pick had quality lighting and demonstrated ample support for ornaments. Read Review Looking to spend next to no time decorating a tree? This pick's lighting, pine cones, and red faux berries delighted our testers. Read Review The easy-to-assemble tree has realistic flocking that will make your home a winter wonderland. Read Review Despite having a slim diameter, this tree had full branches that looked great once the tree was completely assembled. Read Review If you're looking for a blank canvas to work on, we recommend this pick, which has full, thick branches ready for decorations. Read Review This design performed well during our tests, but we found that it would shine better in a small space rather than in a large room. Read Review Ease of Assembly 4 /5 Tree Appearance 4 /5 Lighting Quality 5 /5 Stability 5 /5 Ease of Storage 5 /5 Height: 7.5 feet | Base Diameter: 61 inches | Lights: Yes | Special Features: PowerConnect lighting system, foot pedal light switch What We Like PowerConnect lighting system Great instructions for shaping branches Sections are labeled for easy assembly Nine light colors and actions What We Don't Like Offered in one size Parts of assembly require two people Sections are heavy After 16 hours of testing, this tree was our clear testing winner for the best overall category. The 7.5-foot pre-lit tree is a classic style that received high scores from our testers across the board, including the incredibly important appearance category. Like a real tree, this design is on the heavier side, and branches can hang low and wide—it took two of our testers to assemble this one, lowering its score slightly. That being said, we appreciated the comprehensive instructions that explained how best to shape the branches, especially since it required a bit of fluffing when set up. If appearance is of the utmost importance, this tree received high scores for its overall look and lighting. The lighting is designed with PowerConnect technology—a through-the-pole lighting system that reduces the set-up time for the 750 pre-strung Dual Color lights. The lights, which are both warm white and multicolor, are controlled by a foot pedal and have nine different light colors and actions, so you can switch up your decorating style year to year without getting a new tree. It's worth mentioning that our testers rated National Tree Company trees highly in general, so even if you don't want this particular model, other trees from this brand (including a few others on our list) would make a great addition to your home. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong Tip from The Lab One thing we noted during testing was that it is easier to fluff the tree piece by piece as you go rather than doing it all at the end of assembly. A few instruction sets recommended doing this, but many did not. Ease of Assembly 5 /5 Tree Appearance 5 /5 Lighting Quality 3 /5 Stability 4 /5 Ease of Storage 3 /5 Height: 7.5 feet | Base Diameter: 60 inches | Lights: Yes | Special Features: Feel Real branch tip technology What We Like Offered in three sizes Feel Real branch tip technology Pre-lit Comprehensive instructions Branches are flexible What We Don't Like No foot-activated on/off switch One light setting Leaves look dry One of the best parts about artificial Christmas trees is that you can find options that look and feel just like the real thing. Take the National Tree Company's Feel Real Nordic Spruce, for example, which earned a perfect score for its realistic appearance. When it came to both assembly and disassembly, we found it helpful to have another person on hand as the pieces are somewhat heavy. The tree comes with instructions and even links to an online video. We didn't need to view the video, but we appreciated that the option is there for further assistance if necessary. The instructions recommended that you shape the branches as you go, a tip that came in handy while we assembled. Two testers were also needed to remove the top section of the tree for storage, and it was difficult to put back in its box, earning the tree a lower score for disassembly. The tree is made with Feel Real branch tip technology; we agreed it was realistic, noting the color and texture of the branches as the main factors, earning this tree a perfect score for appearance. Throughout the tree, there are 900 pre-strung UL-listed clear lights that add a nice finishing touch. The lights only have one setting and don't include an on/off foot switch like some of the other options. Keep this in mind if you consider that an important element for a tree. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong Ease of Assembly 4 /5 Tree Appearance 5 /5 Lighting Quality 5 /5 Stability 4 /5 Ease of Storage 2 /5 Height: 7.5 feet | Base Diameter: 59 inches | Lights: Yes | Special Features: Foot pedal switch What We Like Branches were easy to fluff Comprehensive assembly instructions Includes foot-activated switch for lighting Ten light colors and actions What We Don't Like Pieces are heavy Lights need to be connected throughout the tree Large pieces are hard to store If your top priority is the appearance of your tree, consider one like a real Douglas Fir. This one scored high (five out of five) because it looks like the real thing. Another wow factor is the tree's lights, which have a foot pedal to make it easy to turn them on and off. There are also ten colors and actions (think: blinking and fading) to change the scheme based on your holiday style. Don't worry if this is your first time assembling an artificial tree; the instructions in the box were very comprehensive and gave good tips on how to fluff effectively. However, connecting the lights took our tester some time. The 7.5-foot option was a little heavy for a solo setup, so we recommend having another person on hand. Setup clocked in at over seven minutes due to how much the tree weighed. One of our other favorite features that stood out from the other 12 trees we tested was how the branches unfurled. They moved in many directions, and it was very easy to fluff them up to their "real-life" look. Many of the other options needed elbow grease to pull the branches apart to their desired shape. The major downside was the disassembly of the tree, which scored a two out of five. Because this tree was so full and heavy, it required two people to stuff it back into its box. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong Ease of Assembly 4 /5 Tree Appearance 3 /5 Lighting Quality 3 /5 Stability 4 /5 Ease of Storage 5 /5 Height: 7.5 feet | Base Diameter: 54 inches | Lights: Yes | Special Features: Pine cones and red faux berries What We Like Easy to assemble and disassemble Well-dispersed lighting Multiple types of greenery Foot-activated on/off switch What We Don't Like Didn't include instructions Pieces aren't labeled for assembly Assembly may require two people Fluffing can be time consuming If you don't have a collection of ornaments or just don't have the time to decorate, a pre-decorated tree, like the Home Accents Holiday Westwood White Fir Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree, is a great option. During testing, we appreciated how easy it was to assemble and disassemble the tree; it felt effortless and was done in minutes. Though the tree earned a score of three out of five for appearance, the pine cones, faux berries, variated greenery, and dispersed lighting were a welcomed addition. The tree includes 650 micro fairy LED lights that add to the festive look of the tree. The lighting earned a score of three out of five, as you'll need to ensure that the arrows on the connecting pieces line up—otherwise, the tree won't correctly illuminate. Since there were no instructions included, it's easy to miss that detail, which can extend the time you spend on assembly. Activating the lighting by the foot pedal is easy to control once set up. Compared to the other trees tested, we noticed this design had a slim profile, making it ideal for apartments and smaller spaces. One downside is that it didn't feel very stable overall, so make sure it's secure on a flat surface once you set it up. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong Tip from The Lab Only one tree came with a tree bag. We highly recommend storing your tree in a Christmas tree storage bag or bin to prevent damage. Ease of Assembly 4 /5 Tree Appearance 4 /5 Lighting Quality 1 /5 Stability 3 /5 Ease of Storage 5 /5 Height: 7.5 feet | Base Diameter: 60 inches | Lights: Yes | Special Features: Faux snow What We Like Pre-lit Decorated with faux snow Includes gloves Comprehensive instructions What We Don't Like Lighting was difficult to assemble Branches nearest trunk vary a bit from outer branches. With Puleo's Flocked Aspen Fir Pre-Lit Christmas Tree, you get realistic flocking that'll make your home a winter wonderland. Assembly and disassembly both received high scores as we found it was fairly easy to lift each piece out of the box to assemble and put it back in the box for storage. We faced some challenges with the lighting, however, which had to be connected between each section throughout the tree. We were able to troubleshoot it, thanks to a 16-page packet of instructions. When disassembling, be sure to disconnect each wire before pulling the section out to avoid damage. Once set up, we liked the look of the flocking but noticed the faux snow did shed quite a bit—something to keep in mind when choosing a tree. Overall, it wasn't the fullest-looking tree, and the lighting could have been brighter, but the realistic-looking faux snow was enough to make up for that. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong Ease of Assembly 4 /5 Tree Appearance 4 /5 Lighting Quality 4 /5 Stability 2 /5 Ease of Storage 4 /5 Height: 7.5 feet | Base Diameter: 42 inches | Lights: Yes | Special Features: On/off foot switch What We Like Lighting controlled by an on/off foot switch Narrow shape Stable stand What We Don't Like Lights were difficult to assemble Some confusion which trees have foot pedals versus remote controls If you're decorating a smaller space or want a tree with a slimmer profile, consider Treetopia's Kennedy Fir, which earned high scores for its ease of assembly, disassembly, and appearance. We thought the assembly was simple (it took just four minutes), and we appreciated how once each section was secured, the branches easily fell and fluffed out nicely on their own. The tree is pre-lit with 600 clear dura-lit lights (regular mini-lights) controlled by an on/off foot switch. The lights are made with microchips in each socket, so bulbs will still illuminate even if some are broken or missing. We faced some challenges setting up the lighting, as each section needed to be plugged in individually. The provided metal stand included a key screw for added security, though the instructions don't note how far to insert it—we tried a few different lengths before we got it right. When taking the tree apart, the tangled light wires were a challenge to place back in the box, which lowered our lighting score a bit. However, we appreciated that the tree comes double boxed for better storage, which comes in handy when one box gets damaged or breaks. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong Ease of Assembly 5 /5 Tree Appearance 2 /5 Stability 3 /5 Ease of Storage 5 /5 Height: 7 feet | Base Diameter: 54 inches | Lights: No | Special Features: N/A What We Like Budget-friendly Has a lot of branches What We Don't Like Requires a lot of fluffing Vague instructions If you're looking for a more minimal tree that you can make your own, the Puleo Fraser Fir Un-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree is a great option. The simple tree is free of any lighting or decor, so you can decorate it with your own style—and even change it up year after year. Assembly for this tree was quick, but the sections felt heavy and required a lot of fluffing before it was ready for display. We also would have appreciated it if the tree came with a set of gloves, as some of the sprigs scratched at the testers' hands and arms during assembly and disassembly. Though the provided instructions were vague, disassembly was quick as well, earning the tree a perfect score. Considering the necessary fluffing, it's not ideal that the branches are somewhat difficult to move, so keep that in mind when you're designating time for assembly. Nonetheless, we appreciate that this is an option for those who would like to completely customize the look of their tree, including the lights. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong Tip from The Lab Think you'll miss the smell of a real tree when you switch to an artificial one? Try burning a holiday-scented candle (lit far away from the faux tree) for a real-life smell. Two of our favorites are Brooklyn Candle Studio's Montana Forest Minimalist Candle (view on Brooklyn Candle Studio) or Thymes Frasier Fir Pine Needle Candle (view on Thymes). Ease of Assembly 5 /5 Tree Appearance 4 /5 Stability 3 /5 Ease of Storage 5 /5 Height: 6.5 feet | Base Diameter: 28 inches | Lights: No | Special Features: N/A What We Like Budget-friendly Slim profile Easy to assemble and disassemble What We Don't Like Sparse design May be slightly smaller than expected If you think holiday decor has to be expensive, allow us to introduce you to the 6.5-foot Kingswood Fir Pencil Christmas Tree. The budget-friendly design is an easy way to bring holiday cheer into your home without breaking the bank. One of the most noticeable aspects of the tree is how simple it was to assemble and disassemble—we were able to put it together in under two minutes and store the tree in its original box in under three minutes, earning it a five out of five on our scale. Adding lights—which this tree doesn't come with, but some of our tested trees had built-in—will take some additional time, but we think it's a worthy trade-off if you are looking to save on the cost of a tree. We scored the appearance four out of five for its slim, sparse design, but given the narrow profile and lower height, we think it would be easy to string your own lights and decor throughout the tree. The lightweight tree, which was a foot shorter than most of the trees we tested, would also be great for entryways and smaller rooms. Final Verdict Out of all of the trees we tested, our favorite was the National Tree Company 7.5-Foot Feel Real Vienna Fir Tree (view at Amazon), which impressed our testers with its detailed instructions, full shape, and smart lighting design. If you're looking for a simpler tree for your home, we like the National Tree Company 6.5-Foot Kingswood Fir Pencil Tree (view at Bed Bath & Beyond) as our best budget pick. Its slim design and slightly shorter size make it the best choice for smaller spaces, and it comes without built-in lights to keep the price lower. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong Before you shop, think about where you're placing the tree in your home and measure the space, keeping in mind both the height and diameter of the tree. Also keep in mind what storage space you'll need for the tree when the holiday season is over. On average, Christmas trees are about 7.5-feet tall, with many retailers offering both smaller and larger options as well. Though many will have a traditional, full look, there are also slim options out there if you're working with limited floor space. Christmas trees typically come in three sections that lock into each other, making them easy to assemble. When choosing a tree, however, check the weight of the tree—if it's on the heavier side, it may require at least two people and more time to put together. Lighting can also be a tricky part of the assembly. While some options have to be plugged into an outlet, many require you to connect multiple plugs throughout the tree, a process that may lengthen assembly time. You also need to factor in the time you'll spend making the branches look full and minimizing gaps. In our testing, we found this to be time-consuming. However, some trees made the process easier and more comfortable than others. In addition, some trees have stiff branches and needles that can scratch, so we recommend wearing long sleeves and a pair of gardening gloves during setup. Lighting is an important detail to consider when shopping for an artificial Christmas tree. If you're looking for options with lighting, think about the style and colors you're going for when decorating. Some trees will offer a simple warm white light with one setting, while others include both white and multicolor lighting with an assortment of settings. Some trees may have additional features that suit your style. For example, if a tree has lighting, it may also include an on/off foot pedal that makes it easy to control. Other trees may be pre-decorated with ornaments or faux snow for a winter look. All of these upgrades can add to the cost of the tree, so it may not be worth it to you to add them. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong FAQ What is flocking? Flocking refers to artificial snow, which is a popular decorative element sometimes added to trees to create the look of a winter scene in your home. While there are options out there that are pre-flocked for your convenience, you can purchase faux snow separately to create a custom look on your tree. Whether you purchase a flocked tree or do a DIY project, it's worth noting that the tree will most likely shed onto its surroundings, so be sure to place something on the ground to catch the mess, especially during setup and disassembly. What are the benefits of an artificial tree? Though a real Christmas tree certainly adds genuine holiday cheer, an artificial Christmas tree can offer the same experience and save you some time and money. Rather than purchasing a fresh, new tree every holiday, you can store an artificial tree in your home and reuse it year after year. Artificial Christmas trees are also great if you live in an area that makes it difficult to access real trees. Instead, you can shop at most major online retailers for your perfect pick and have it delivered to your door. How do you store an artificial Christmas tree? Storing an artificial Christmas tree is simple—just be sure to keep the original box it came in. After you disassemble the tree, you'll want to press the branches together in each section so they become compact enough to fit back into the box. To make it easier, you can purchase ribbon or rope to hold the branches in place. Some trees may come with a storage bag, but testers found that the loose structure of a bag can take up a bit more space versus when the tree is stored in a box. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong To make this list, members of The Spruce's editorial team tested eight artificial Christmas trees at The Lab for ease of assembly and disassembly, appearance, light quality, sturdiness, and storage. For two days, we assembled and disassembled each tree, rearranged the branches, installed lights, and tested the stability of the trees. To test the ease of assembly and disassembly, we timed how long it took to set up and store each tree and noted everything from the quality of the instructions to how heavy the pieces felt. When considering appearance, we judged the quality of the needles, lights, branches, and trunk to determine if the tree had a lifelike quality. Finally, we used weighted ornaments to determine how strong the branches felt and whether the tree as a whole felt stable enough to hold ornaments. Jamie Weissman is an associate commerce editor for The Spruce. In addition to writing this list, she was in The Lab during testing, breaking down and comparing trees herself to get first-hand knowledge of how our tests were performed and where each tree excelled. Before testing, we searched through hundreds of artificial Christmas tree options, looking at customer satisfaction, price, and features to determine which trees we would choose to put to the test.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/FeelRealViennaFirTreeWith750DualColorLEDLights.jpg-0aeb935a4b36479db1511808478d9057.jpg)
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Decorating A White Pine Christmas Tree
Source: https://www.thespruce.com/best-artificial-christmas-trees-4152090
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