10 Things to Consider Before Buying an Artificial Christmas Tree

In the market for a Christmas tree? When deciding what kind of tree to buy for the upcoming holiday season, there’s a lot to consider—from size and style to whether you’ll go with a real or artificial one.

Faux trees offer many benefits over real ones and bring lasting joy year after year. While some people assume artificial trees look unrealistic, that’s far from true. When you buy from a trusted, high-quality company like Nearly Natural, your tree will look just like the real thing. And if you love the scent of fresh pine, today’s faux tree scents can easily recreate that cozy holiday aroma. Plus, since they’re reusable, artificial trees are both eco-friendly and economical—offering beauty that lasts while saving a real tree’s life.

If this will be your first Christmas with a faux tree, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything to consider when choosing the perfect artificial Christmas tree for your home.

Arguably the most important thing to consider is finding an artificial tree that looks real. It’s no secret that there are a plethora of options when it comes to buying your tree, so be sure to choose a lifelike high-quality tree if you’re going for realism over whimsy.

A high-quality tree will delight and  impress all your house guests. The right tree will have a trunk, branches, and needles that all look completely realistic. For the ultimate in realism, choose one of our “Real Touch” trees that feel every bit as real as they look. 

3. Consider an Artificial Pre-lit Christmas Tree

Sick of dealing with tangled strands of Christmas lights? Or the frustration when one bulb burns out and it messes up the whole string of lights? If these conundrums resonate with you, consider opting for a pre-lit tree.

Many artificial Christmas trees come pre-lit so you’ll never have to deal with tangled lights again. A pre-lit tree can come in classic white lights, beautiful multi-colored lights, festive red lights, and more. The lights sit on the branches and you don’t have to worry about hiding a bunch of cords. Just make sure it’s easy to plug in and you’ll be good to go this holiday season.

When it comes to timing your Christmas tree purchase, it’s crucial to plan ahead. As you can probably guess, artificial tree supply dwindles during the holiday season. If you’re wondering the best time to buy an artificial Christmas tree, aim to purchase it by September or October to get the style and size you want.

And the good news is that if you go with an artificial tree, you’ll only have to worry about timing this year since you’ll reuse your tree for many years to come.

Before you purchase your tree, decide where you’re going to put it. This will dictate how tall the tree is and how wide the tree is. You also want to make sure that the space you put your tree in has a power outlet. Pick your space, measure it, and use these measurements when researching which tree to purchase. If space feels tight, consider rearranging furniture temporarily.

Keep in mind that some artificial trees have pliable branches (another reason they’re better than real trees), allowing you to bend branches if needed to make the tree fit. For more sizing help, see How to Measure for an Artificial Tree or Plant: Size & Style Guide. 

Keep in mind that an artificial tree is a one-time purchase while real trees need to be purchased every year. This fact may justify a bigger budget for an artificial tree. You get what you pay for, so aim for something high quality.

Once you’ve set your budget, shop trees that fit within it. Logically, the bigger the tree, the more it costs. If you’re working with a low budget, consider a smaller tree—not a cheaper tree—so you don’t compromise quality.

Do you know how you want to decorate your tree but haven’t decided on a tree yet? No problem: Find a tree that supports your décor vision.

Some trees come partially decorated with berries and/or pinecones for a rustic or natural feel. If you plan unique light colors, avoid pre-lit trees. If you want large ornaments, choose a fuller, larger tree to support them. If your décor items are heavy, pick a more sturdy tree.

Maintaining an artificial tree is much easier than maintaining a real tree. Fake trees don’t need water and you don’t have to clean up fallen pine needles.

Faux trees are simple to maintain: Dust with a feather duster weekly. Once a season (before decorating or after you take the décor down), wipe your tree with a cloth dipped in soapy water. This keeps your tree looking great for years.

Artificial trees require a stand or planter just like real trees do. Many stands adjust to accommodate your tree. If you don’t have a specific stand in mind, purchase a tree that comes with one—many do, and it cuts down on extra purchases.

A tree skirt is also a nice touch to cover the stand and help hide cords. For a classic, unique look, choose a tree that comes with a decorative planter instead of using a stand.

One of the most important things when purchasing a fake tree is choosing a reputable company. When you buy from Nearly Natural, you know you are purchasing from a company that prides itself on quality and expertise in every plant, tree, and floral we sell. Our philosophy of attention to detail and dedication to customer service has helped us grow to the level of success we enjoy today.

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