How to Choose a Christmas Tree

Real Christmas trees are grown by a Christmas tree farmer for the specific purpose of becoming a Christmas decoration. That makes them a renewable resource. People who buy live Christmas trees admire their piney scent and natural imperfections. Also, visiting a Christmas tree farm or tree market may be part of a family tradition.

Real trees don’t need to be stored after the Christmas season. They are biodegradable and can be recycled. When this year’s Christmas trees are harvested, new trees are planted.

While prices may vary from year to year, real trees tend to cost less than most artificial trees.

On the other hand, real trees can be messy, dropping pine needles everywhere. They need to be watered regularly and can pose a fire hazard if they get too dry.

If you purchase a real Christmas tree, make about a ½-inch fresh cut off the tree base and set it in cold water immediately. A fresh-cut Christmas tree will “drink” several quarts of water to start, so it’s important to check and add fresh water several times a day for the first week. As time goes by, you will likely be able to cut down on watering frequency.

While the scent of pine is a strong attraction for real-tree lovers, allergies can make artificial Christmas trees a more comfortable choice.

Even without health concerns, there are other reasons for choosing an artificial tree. First, they don’t lose their needles like real trees. They don’t need to be watered and they’re fire-resistant.

They are easy to set up - especially if you buy a pre-lit tree with the Christmas lights already attached. Plus, you can display them for a longer period of time.

Although artificial Christmas trees can be found in all price ranges, they cost more than a real tree. However, since artificial trees last for years, the investment evens out over time. And many artificial trees come with manufacturer warranties. With real trees, there are no guarantees!

Christmas Central offers a full range of artificial Christmas tree sizes, styles and varieties. We partner with some of the world’s largest Christmas tree companies and offer everything from simple and classic styles to the most realistic, high-quality Christmas trees available.

Getting the right size Christmas tree requires a little planning. First, decide where you want it to be displayed. Then, measure the space - both the floor area and height from floor to ceiling.

TREE HEIGHT

When determining the maximum height of your tree, be sure to leave enough room for your tree topper - typically between nine and 12-inches.

Artificial tree heights include the stand, but if you buy a real tree, be sure to account for the additional height of the stand.

Tabletop trees start at around 18 inches tall. Unlit and pre-lit artificial Christmas trees in 6.5’ and 7.5’ heights are among our most popular sizes, but Christmas Central also sells commercial Christmas trees 12 feet and taller.

TREE WIDTH

In general, you should leave at least six inches of space between the widest branches of the tree and the wall. If you can’t spare the room, there are artificial trees to satisfy even small spaces. Artificial tree widths run the range from bushy full profiles to space-saving pencil profiles.

A pencil profile Christmas tree has a height/width ratio of at least 2.5, making it at least 2.5' times as tall as it is wide. A 7.5' tall tree has a base diameter of less than 3.75'.

Most artificial Christmas trees are made of either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE).

PVC is extremely common and has been used in artificial trees for many years. The branches consist of plastic cut into very thin and narrow fringe-like strips. PVC trees offer a classic and affordable look.

Many of the newer, more realistic trees feature polyethylene (PE) branches that are molded to look like natural pine needles for exceptional realism. Most trees with PE branches also incorporate PVC branches for a fuller appearance.

Either type of artificial tree style will provide a traditional look you will appreciate for years to come.