Picking Out an Artificial Christmas Tree

Picking Out an Artificial Christmas Tree


You may choose an artificial Christmas tree over a live one for a multitude of reasons. Maybe you live somewhere that live trees are not allowed, such as an apartment complex or townhouse. Maybe you prefer not to bother with watering and caring for a live tree. Or maybe you are environmentally opposed to cutting down a tree each year. No matter the reason you choose to purchase an artificial Christmas tree, there are some factors to consider before you bring one home.

When choosing your artificial Christmas tree you want to find one that suits your living space well. Your tree should fit well into the room you plan to display it in, while allowing room for ceiling clearance. As a general rule of thumb you should choose a tree that is, at minimum, six inches shorter than your ceiling height to allow room for your tree topper. If you have cathedral ceilings this could mean accommodating a ten foot or taller tree but before you choose remember that the taller the tree the wider it will be.

If space restrictions don’t allow for a bushy tree there are slim models of artificial trees that will give you the height you want but with a smaller circumference. While this will save you some space try and keep the tree as proportional as possible—no one likes a skinny Christmas tree. Also, when purchasing a tall artificial tree you should look for ones that have framed construction as opposed to just the middle pole for added sturdiness.

If the thought of wrestling with tangled strings of Christmas lights gives you nightmares you might want to consider the option of a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree. A pre-lit tree is available with clear or multi-colored lighting and saves you the hassle of having to string and remove all those tree lights year after year. Purchasing a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree makes the process of putting up and decorating the Christmas tree more convenient and enjoyable.

When choosing a pre-lit Christmas tree take the types of tree ornaments you have into consideration for the best overall effect. Darker or vividly colored ornaments are better shown by clear Christmas tree lights while lighter colored ornaments, such as gold or silver, are better suited to the multi-colored variety. Select a lighting scheme that goes well with the ornaments you already own.

The main purpose of your artificial Christmas tree is to provide a place to hang your Christmas ornaments and decoration. When choosing your tree you’ll want to make sure it’s going to be sturdy enough to support the weight of all your ornaments. If you have a collection of large ornaments look for artificial trees with thicker sturdy branches that can take the weight.

Gone are the days where you could choose any color tree you wanted, as long as it was green. Modern artificial Christmas trees are available in any color of the rainbow. You can choose from red, pink, purple, lime green or even black. Before you carry home a hot pink Christmas tree, stop and take a moment to assess your overall Christmas decor. If your home and Christmas ornaments are of the traditional variety, that brightly colored tree is going to stand out like a sore thumb. If you have any doubts at all, stick with a classic, natural looking green tree.

On the other hand, if your home is very contemporary and your decorations have a modern twist to them an out of the ordinary tree color may suit your Christmas theme very well. Just be careful that your tree color doesn’t clash with the colors in your other decorations. A bold colored tree is best shown off with a simplistic decorating palette so try adorning your purple Christmas tree with a solid color such as all gold or silver ornaments.

No matter the type of tree you choose, it is important that you find one that fits your lifestyle. By following these tips for choosing an artificial Christmas tree, you are guaranteed that you'll enjoy your tree for years to come.


Marcia Chumbley is a work at home mom and grandmother in Minnesota. She is the owner of a Christian Work From Home Moms and Grandparents web site at http://www.faithfulgrannies.com and Work At Home Moms and Divas Online http://www.workathomedivasonline.com. Bringing generations of Christian Work From Home Moms, Grandmothers, Parents, Boomers and Families together while providing FREE Advertising Networking and Resources, while balancing the work at home experience.

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