We Tested Artificial Christmas Trees from Home Depot, Walmart, and More

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:People / Joy Kim

People / Joy Kim

While there’s nothing quite like a live Christmas tree, they require lots of maintenance that may not be worth it to some. Aside from shedding over time and needing to be watered, they can also make your pets sick if they chew on or ingest the needles.If you’re looking for an easy, low-maintenance way to bring holiday cheer into your home, anartificial Christmas treeis a great alternative. Whether you want a more traditional, lifelike tree or lean on the whimsical side, we’ve rounded up some of the best brands on the market based on our extensive testing.Keep reading to shop PEOPLE’s picks of the best places to buy artificial Christmas trees in 2024.

While there’s nothing quite like a live Christmas tree, they require lots of maintenance that may not be worth it to some. Aside from shedding over time and needing to be watered, they can also make your pets sick if they chew on or ingest the needles.

If you’re looking for an easy, low-maintenance way to bring holiday cheer into your home, anartificial Christmas treeis a great alternative. Whether you want a more traditional, lifelike tree or lean on the whimsical side, we’ve rounded up some of the best brands on the market based on our extensive testing.

Keep reading to shop PEOPLE’s picks of the best places to buy artificial Christmas trees in 2024.

AmazonAmazonBuy on AmazonSome people have a creative vision in mind for what they want their tree to look like. If that’s you, Amazon is a great place for your holiday decor dreams to come true. Whether you want apre-lit rainbow treeor even one that’supside down, Amazon will have what you’re looking for. And of course, you’ll find more traditional options like thispre-lit fir treeor thisflocked one. There is a wide range of prices, which makes it ideal for all shoppers and budgets.If you’re looking for a simple and quick process of finding and buying a tree, the variety could make it difficult to narrow down the choices. But you can generally expect to find a tree that’s reasonably priced, decent quality, and the size and shape you’re looking for. Plus, if you’re aPrime memberyou can enjoy free and expedited shipping on your order.Size Range:2 to 10+ feet |Shape Options:Flat back, full, slim, spiral, traditional |Shipping:Varies depending on cost, delivery location, and desired shipping speed; free for Prime membersShop Best-Sellers from AmazonHomcom Pre-Lit Slim Noble Fir Artificial Christmas Tree$90$80 at AmazonNational Tree Company Pre-Lit Mini Artificial Christmas Tree$116$69 at AmazonView on Wayfair$155 at Kohls.comYaheetech Pre-lit Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree$100$60 at AmazonNational Tree Company Pre-Lit Tinsel Artificial Christmas Tree$21 at Amazon$42 at Target$35 at WayfairPeople / Eric Brockob

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Some people have a creative vision in mind for what they want their tree to look like. If that’s you, Amazon is a great place for your holiday decor dreams to come true. Whether you want apre-lit rainbow treeor even one that’supside down, Amazon will have what you’re looking for. And of course, you’ll find more traditional options like thispre-lit fir treeor thisflocked one. There is a wide range of prices, which makes it ideal for all shoppers and budgets.

If you’re looking for a simple and quick process of finding and buying a tree, the variety could make it difficult to narrow down the choices. But you can generally expect to find a tree that’s reasonably priced, decent quality, and the size and shape you’re looking for. Plus, if you’re aPrime memberyou can enjoy free and expedited shipping on your order.

Size Range:2 to 10+ feet |Shape Options:Flat back, full, slim, spiral, traditional |Shipping:Varies depending on cost, delivery location, and desired shipping speed; free for Prime members

Shop Best-Sellers from Amazon

Homcom Pre-Lit Slim Noble Fir Artificial Christmas Tree$90$80 at AmazonNational Tree Company Pre-Lit Mini Artificial Christmas Tree$116$69 at AmazonView on Wayfair$155 at Kohls.comYaheetech Pre-lit Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree$100$60 at AmazonNational Tree Company Pre-Lit Tinsel Artificial Christmas Tree$21 at Amazon$42 at Target$35 at Wayfair

Homcom Pre-Lit Slim Noble Fir Artificial Christmas Tree$90$80 at Amazon

Homcom Pre-Lit Slim Noble Fir Artificial Christmas Tree

$90$80 at Amazon

National Tree Company Pre-Lit Mini Artificial Christmas Tree$116$69 at AmazonView on Wayfair$155 at Kohls.com

National Tree Company Pre-Lit Mini Artificial Christmas Tree

$116$69 at AmazonView on Wayfair$155 at Kohls.com

Yaheetech Pre-lit Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree$100$60 at Amazon

Yaheetech Pre-lit Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree

$100$60 at Amazon

National Tree Company Pre-Lit Tinsel Artificial Christmas Tree$21 at Amazon$42 at Target$35 at Wayfair

National Tree Company Pre-Lit Tinsel Artificial Christmas Tree

$21 at Amazon$42 at Target$35 at Wayfair

People / Eric Brockob

Balsam HillBalsam HillBuy on Balsamhill.comBalsam Hill’s artificial Christmas trees are incredibly realistic, from the coloring to the needle shapes and textures. It offers abranch sample kit, so you can pick the perfect tree type for your home before purchasing. Another huge benefit of ordering from Balsam Hill is that the trees come with storage bags, so they’re easy to put away at the end of the holiday season.As you may expect, all the deluxe features make these trees a little pricey. But if you have a flexible budget, they’re worth it. There are more traditional trees like the best-sellingBalsam Firor theFrosted Fraser. While there isn’t a large variety of styles, there are some fun options like this minimalisticAlpine treeor thispre-lit Blue Sprucewith lights that can be controlled via app.Size Range:4 to 18 feet |Shape Options:Full, slim, sparse, wide, flat back |Shipping:Free standard shipping within the U.S.Shop Best-Sellers from Balsam HillBalsam Hill BH Frosted Fraser Fir TreeView on Balsamhill.comBalsam Hill Silverado Slim TreeView on Balsamhill.comBalsam Hill Vermont White SpruceView on Amazon$699 at Balsamhill.comBalsam Hill Classic Blue SpruceView on Balsamhill.comPeople/Dera BurresonPro Tip!If you’re really pressed for space but still want a traditional look, have you ever considered a half tree? They are designed to go in a corner or against a wall, making them ideal for smaller homes. Thisone from Wayfairis a great option — it comes pre-lit and in three sizes.

Balsam Hill

Buy on Balsamhill.com

Balsam Hill’s artificial Christmas trees are incredibly realistic, from the coloring to the needle shapes and textures. It offers abranch sample kit, so you can pick the perfect tree type for your home before purchasing. Another huge benefit of ordering from Balsam Hill is that the trees come with storage bags, so they’re easy to put away at the end of the holiday season.

As you may expect, all the deluxe features make these trees a little pricey. But if you have a flexible budget, they’re worth it. There are more traditional trees like the best-sellingBalsam Firor theFrosted Fraser. While there isn’t a large variety of styles, there are some fun options like this minimalisticAlpine treeor thispre-lit Blue Sprucewith lights that can be controlled via app.

Size Range:4 to 18 feet |Shape Options:Full, slim, sparse, wide, flat back |Shipping:Free standard shipping within the U.S.

Shop Best-Sellers from Balsam Hill

Balsam Hill BH Frosted Fraser Fir TreeView on Balsamhill.comBalsam Hill Silverado Slim TreeView on Balsamhill.comBalsam Hill Vermont White SpruceView on Amazon$699 at Balsamhill.comBalsam Hill Classic Blue SpruceView on Balsamhill.com

Balsam Hill BH Frosted Fraser Fir TreeView on Balsamhill.com

Balsam Hill BH Frosted Fraser Fir Tree

View on Balsamhill.com

Balsam Hill Silverado Slim TreeView on Balsamhill.com

Balsam Hill Silverado Slim Tree

Balsam Hill Vermont White SpruceView on Amazon$699 at Balsamhill.com

Balsam Hill Vermont White Spruce

View on Amazon$699 at Balsamhill.com

Balsam Hill Classic Blue SpruceView on Balsamhill.com

Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce

People/Dera Burreson

Pro Tip!If you’re really pressed for space but still want a traditional look, have you ever considered a half tree? They are designed to go in a corner or against a wall, making them ideal for smaller homes. Thisone from Wayfairis a great option — it comes pre-lit and in three sizes.

Pro Tip!

If you’re really pressed for space but still want a traditional look, have you ever considered a half tree? They are designed to go in a corner or against a wall, making them ideal for smaller homes. Thisone from Wayfairis a great option — it comes pre-lit and in three sizes.

TargetTargetBuy on TargetWho doesn’t love a Target run? Its artificial Christmas trees are a great cost-effective option for anyone who’s not looking to break the bank and wants a wide variety of colors, sizes, and styles. The in-houseWondershopbrand offers cohesive accessories, so your home can have coordinated, cozy cheer — including trees, garlands, ornaments, toppers, and tree skirts.Whether you want asmaller tree, afull-size tree, or even amini treefor a tabletop or bedroom, Target has you covered at fairly reasonable prices. On the less conventional side, it even hascactus-shaped treesthat would definitely add some whimsical cheer to your home.Size Range:2 to 12 feet |Shape Options:Flat back, full, slim, spiral, traditional |Shipping:Free standard shippingShop Best-Sellers from TargetBest Choice Products Pre-Lit White Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$459 at TargetWondershop Pre-Lit Alberta Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree$55 at TargetWondershop Unlit Alberta Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree$43 at TargetPhilips 7.5' Twinkle Tree Pre-Lit Balsam Fir Artificial Christmas Tree$175 at TargetPeople / Joy Kim

Target

Buy on Target

Who doesn’t love a Target run? Its artificial Christmas trees are a great cost-effective option for anyone who’s not looking to break the bank and wants a wide variety of colors, sizes, and styles. The in-houseWondershopbrand offers cohesive accessories, so your home can have coordinated, cozy cheer — including trees, garlands, ornaments, toppers, and tree skirts.

Whether you want asmaller tree, afull-size tree, or even amini treefor a tabletop or bedroom, Target has you covered at fairly reasonable prices. On the less conventional side, it even hascactus-shaped treesthat would definitely add some whimsical cheer to your home.

Size Range:2 to 12 feet |Shape Options:Flat back, full, slim, spiral, traditional |Shipping:Free standard shipping

Shop Best-Sellers from Target

Best Choice Products Pre-Lit White Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$459 at TargetWondershop Pre-Lit Alberta Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree$55 at TargetWondershop Unlit Alberta Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree$43 at TargetPhilips 7.5' Twinkle Tree Pre-Lit Balsam Fir Artificial Christmas Tree$175 at Target

Best Choice Products Pre-Lit White Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$459 at Target

Best Choice Products Pre-Lit White Pine Artificial Christmas Tree

$459 at Target

Wondershop Pre-Lit Alberta Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree$55 at Target

Wondershop Pre-Lit Alberta Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree

$55 at Target

Wondershop Unlit Alberta Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree$43 at Target

Wondershop Unlit Alberta Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree

$43 at Target

Philips 7.5' Twinkle Tree Pre-Lit Balsam Fir Artificial Christmas Tree$175 at Target

Philips 7.5' Twinkle Tree Pre-Lit Balsam Fir Artificial Christmas Tree

$175 at Target

WalmartWalmartBuy on WalmartWalmart is known for its convenience and affordability, and the same goes for its artificial Christmas trees — like thissix-foot pre-lit treethat’s just under $100. It also has a wide variety of colors and sizes available, including apre-lit pink tree, aunique black pine, and an adorablemini blue optionthat would be perfect on a tabletop or in a kid’s bedroom.Another huge bonus about shopping at Walmart is that it offers both delivery and pick-up depending on the stock at your local store. You can either have your tree directly sent to your house or have it dropped in your trunk at your next grocery pick-up.Size Range:2 to 12 feet |Shape Options:Conical, corner, full, half, pencil, slim, topiary, upside down |Shipping:Varies depending on cost, delivery location, and desired shipping speedShop Best-Sellers from WalmartHoliday Time Pre-Lit Arlington Artificial Christmas Tree$21 at WalmartBest Choice Products Pre-Lit Flocked Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$90 at WalmartHoliday Time Pre-Lit Valley Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree$64 at WalmartHoliday Time Pre-Lit Flocked Frisco Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$29 at WalmartPeople / Joy Kim

Walmart

Buy on Walmart

Walmart is known for its convenience and affordability, and the same goes for its artificial Christmas trees — like thissix-foot pre-lit treethat’s just under $100. It also has a wide variety of colors and sizes available, including apre-lit pink tree, aunique black pine, and an adorablemini blue optionthat would be perfect on a tabletop or in a kid’s bedroom.

Another huge bonus about shopping at Walmart is that it offers both delivery and pick-up depending on the stock at your local store. You can either have your tree directly sent to your house or have it dropped in your trunk at your next grocery pick-up.

Size Range:2 to 12 feet |Shape Options:Conical, corner, full, half, pencil, slim, topiary, upside down |Shipping:Varies depending on cost, delivery location, and desired shipping speed

Shop Best-Sellers from Walmart

Holiday Time Pre-Lit Arlington Artificial Christmas Tree$21 at WalmartBest Choice Products Pre-Lit Flocked Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$90 at WalmartHoliday Time Pre-Lit Valley Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree$64 at WalmartHoliday Time Pre-Lit Flocked Frisco Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$29 at Walmart

Holiday Time Pre-Lit Arlington Artificial Christmas Tree$21 at Walmart

Holiday Time Pre-Lit Arlington Artificial Christmas Tree

$21 at Walmart

Best Choice Products Pre-Lit Flocked Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$90 at Walmart

Best Choice Products Pre-Lit Flocked Pine Artificial Christmas Tree

$90 at Walmart

Holiday Time Pre-Lit Valley Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree$64 at Walmart

Holiday Time Pre-Lit Valley Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree

$64 at Walmart

Holiday Time Pre-Lit Flocked Frisco Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$29 at Walmart

Holiday Time Pre-Lit Flocked Frisco Pine Artificial Christmas Tree

$29 at Walmart

The Home DepotThe Home DepotBuy on Home DepotYou’re probably used to seeing real Christmas trees for sale outside your local Home Depot, but it has just as many artificial options inside. From atraditional Balsam firto aflocked Fraserto a nostalgicsilver tinsel tree, there is something for every holiday style.Home Depot offers free shipping on most Christmas tree options and free returns within 90 days of purchasing. If you decide to return your tree and purchased it online, call its online customer support team, and depending on the tree, it can be picked up from your home.Size Range:4 to 16+ feet |Shape Options:Topiary, half, corner, extra-full, sparse, upside-down, spiral |Shipping:Free shipping over $45Shop Best-Sellers from Home DepotCostway White Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$159$105 at Home DepotHome Accents Holiday Pre-Lit Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$5 at Home DepotHome Accents Holiday Pre-Lit Amelia Frosted Slim Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$20 at Home DepotHome Accents Holiday Pre-Lit Jackson Noble Fir Artificial Christmas Tree$40 at Home DepotPeople / Eric Brockob

The Home Depot

Buy on Home Depot

You’re probably used to seeing real Christmas trees for sale outside your local Home Depot, but it has just as many artificial options inside. From atraditional Balsam firto aflocked Fraserto a nostalgicsilver tinsel tree, there is something for every holiday style.

Home Depot offers free shipping on most Christmas tree options and free returns within 90 days of purchasing. If you decide to return your tree and purchased it online, call its online customer support team, and depending on the tree, it can be picked up from your home.

Size Range:4 to 16+ feet |Shape Options:Topiary, half, corner, extra-full, sparse, upside-down, spiral |Shipping:Free shipping over $45

Shop Best-Sellers from Home Depot

Costway White Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$159$105 at Home DepotHome Accents Holiday Pre-Lit Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$5 at Home DepotHome Accents Holiday Pre-Lit Amelia Frosted Slim Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$20 at Home DepotHome Accents Holiday Pre-Lit Jackson Noble Fir Artificial Christmas Tree$40 at Home Depot

Costway White Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$159$105 at Home Depot

Costway White Pine Artificial Christmas Tree

$159$105 at Home Depot

Home Accents Holiday Pre-Lit Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$5 at Home Depot

Home Accents Holiday Pre-Lit Pine Artificial Christmas Tree

$5 at Home Depot

Home Accents Holiday Pre-Lit Amelia Frosted Slim Pine Artificial Christmas Tree$20 at Home Depot

Home Accents Holiday Pre-Lit Amelia Frosted Slim Pine Artificial Christmas Tree

$20 at Home Depot

Home Accents Holiday Pre-Lit Jackson Noble Fir Artificial Christmas Tree$40 at Home Depot

Home Accents Holiday Pre-Lit Jackson Noble Fir Artificial Christmas Tree

$40 at Home Depot

Wayfair

Buy on Wayfair

Wayfair is one of the only brands with both classic trees and more whimsical or unconventional ones. On the more traditional side, it has trees like thisNorth Valley Spruceor thisstunning flocked pine. If you want something more unconventional, it has fun ones like thisgold tinsel treeorthis curved red onethat looks like a Santa hat.

Size Range:4 to 20 feet |Shape Options:Full, extra-full, slender, upside-down, spiral, half, corner |Shipping:Free shipping over $35

Shop Best-Sellers from Wayfair

The Holiday Aisle Pre-Lit Pink Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree$123 at WayfairThe Holiday Aisle Pre-Lit Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree$304 at WayfairThe Holiday Aisle Unlit Newberry Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree$184 at WayfairSteelside Eastport Pine Tabletop Artificial Christmas Tree$100 at Wayfair

The Holiday Aisle Pre-Lit Pink Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree$123 at Wayfair

The Holiday Aisle Pre-Lit Pink Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree

$123 at Wayfair

The Holiday Aisle Pre-Lit Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree$304 at Wayfair

The Holiday Aisle Pre-Lit Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree

$304 at Wayfair

The Holiday Aisle Unlit Newberry Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree$184 at Wayfair

The Holiday Aisle Unlit Newberry Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree

$184 at Wayfair

Steelside Eastport Pine Tabletop Artificial Christmas Tree$100 at Wayfair

Steelside Eastport Pine Tabletop Artificial Christmas Tree

$100 at Wayfair

King of ChristmasKing of ChristmasBuy on Kingofchristmas.comKing of Christmas specializes in artificial trees and holiday decor, so you know the selection will be top-tier. There isn’t as much variety as some of the other well-known retailers on our list, but there are plenty of festive options.The bestsellingAlpine Fircan be pre-lit with up to 1,100 LED bulbs or unlit, so you can string your own lights. If you live in a smaller home, there are lots ofpencil-styleor3-foot tabletopoptions that won’t take up too much space. One of the most popular trees is thisKing Noble Fir, a sparse yet stylish option that has increased in popularity in the last few years. Along with free shipping, you’ll get a two-year warranty.Size Range:3 to 12 feet |Shape Options:Full, slim |Shipping:Free shipping within the U.S.Shop Best-Sellers from King of ChristmasKing of Christmas 7' Pre-Lit Tribeca Spruce Blue Artificial Christmas TreeView on Kingofchristmas.comKing of Christmas 7.5' Unlit Yorkshire Fir Artificial Christmas TreeView on Kingofchristmas.comKing of Christmas 7' Pre-Lit King Noble Flocked Artificial Christmas TreeView on Kingofchristmas.comKing of Christmas 6' Pre-Lit Prince Flock Artificial Christmas TreeView on Kingofchristmas.com

King of Christmas

Buy on Kingofchristmas.com

King of Christmas specializes in artificial trees and holiday decor, so you know the selection will be top-tier. There isn’t as much variety as some of the other well-known retailers on our list, but there are plenty of festive options.

The bestsellingAlpine Fircan be pre-lit with up to 1,100 LED bulbs or unlit, so you can string your own lights. If you live in a smaller home, there are lots ofpencil-styleor3-foot tabletopoptions that won’t take up too much space. One of the most popular trees is thisKing Noble Fir, a sparse yet stylish option that has increased in popularity in the last few years. Along with free shipping, you’ll get a two-year warranty.

Size Range:3 to 12 feet |Shape Options:Full, slim |Shipping:Free shipping within the U.S.

Shop Best-Sellers from King of Christmas

King of Christmas 7' Pre-Lit Tribeca Spruce Blue Artificial Christmas TreeView on Kingofchristmas.comKing of Christmas 7.5' Unlit Yorkshire Fir Artificial Christmas TreeView on Kingofchristmas.comKing of Christmas 7' Pre-Lit King Noble Flocked Artificial Christmas TreeView on Kingofchristmas.comKing of Christmas 6' Pre-Lit Prince Flock Artificial Christmas TreeView on Kingofchristmas.com

King of Christmas 7' Pre-Lit Tribeca Spruce Blue Artificial Christmas TreeView on Kingofchristmas.com

King of Christmas 7' Pre-Lit Tribeca Spruce Blue Artificial Christmas Tree

View on Kingofchristmas.com

King of Christmas 7.5' Unlit Yorkshire Fir Artificial Christmas TreeView on Kingofchristmas.com

King of Christmas 7.5' Unlit Yorkshire Fir Artificial Christmas Tree

King of Christmas 7' Pre-Lit King Noble Flocked Artificial Christmas TreeView on Kingofchristmas.com

King of Christmas 7' Pre-Lit King Noble Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree

King of Christmas 6' Pre-Lit Prince Flock Artificial Christmas TreeView on Kingofchristmas.com

King of Christmas 6' Pre-Lit Prince Flock Artificial Christmas Tree

MichaelsMichaelsBuy on MichaelsMichaels is the epicenter for all things fun and crafty, so it makes sense that the Christmas tree selection would be chock-full of options for those who want a more artsy look. On the more traditional side, two of its best-sellers are thisWillow Pineand thispencil-shaped Fir— both come pre-lit and would bring classic holiday cheer to your home.On the less traditional side, there are whimsical options like thisblue-toned ombre treeand thispre-lit palm tree. Although there aren’t a ton of hyper-realistic choices, you can definitely find fun and playful options that will put a unique spin on the most wonderful time of the year.Size Range:2 to 10 feet |Shape Options:Full, slim, pencil, tabletop, upside-down |Shipping:Free shipping over $49Shop Best-Sellers from MichaelsAshland 6’ Pre-Lit Alexa Tinsel Artificial Christmas Tree$160 at MichaelsAshland 7’ Pre-Lit Willow Pine Artificial Christmas TreeView on MichaelsAshland 4’ Pre-Lit Lakewood Spruce Artificial Christmas TreeView on MichaelsMichael’s 9’ Unlit Dunhill Fir Full Artificial Christmas Tree$229 at Wayfair$760 at Michaels$580 at Kohls.comPeople / Eric Brockob

Michaels

Buy on Michaels

Michaels is the epicenter for all things fun and crafty, so it makes sense that the Christmas tree selection would be chock-full of options for those who want a more artsy look. On the more traditional side, two of its best-sellers are thisWillow Pineand thispencil-shaped Fir— both come pre-lit and would bring classic holiday cheer to your home.

On the less traditional side, there are whimsical options like thisblue-toned ombre treeand thispre-lit palm tree. Although there aren’t a ton of hyper-realistic choices, you can definitely find fun and playful options that will put a unique spin on the most wonderful time of the year.

Size Range:2 to 10 feet |Shape Options:Full, slim, pencil, tabletop, upside-down |Shipping:Free shipping over $49

Shop Best-Sellers from Michaels

Ashland 6’ Pre-Lit Alexa Tinsel Artificial Christmas Tree$160 at MichaelsAshland 7’ Pre-Lit Willow Pine Artificial Christmas TreeView on MichaelsAshland 4’ Pre-Lit Lakewood Spruce Artificial Christmas TreeView on MichaelsMichael’s 9’ Unlit Dunhill Fir Full Artificial Christmas Tree$229 at Wayfair$760 at Michaels$580 at Kohls.com

Ashland 6’ Pre-Lit Alexa Tinsel Artificial Christmas Tree$160 at Michaels

Ashland 6’ Pre-Lit Alexa Tinsel Artificial Christmas Tree

$160 at Michaels

Ashland 7’ Pre-Lit Willow Pine Artificial Christmas TreeView on Michaels

Ashland 7’ Pre-Lit Willow Pine Artificial Christmas Tree

View on Michaels

Ashland 4’ Pre-Lit Lakewood Spruce Artificial Christmas TreeView on Michaels

Ashland 4’ Pre-Lit Lakewood Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree

Michael’s 9’ Unlit Dunhill Fir Full Artificial Christmas Tree$229 at Wayfair$760 at Michaels$580 at Kohls.com

Michael’s 9’ Unlit Dunhill Fir Full Artificial Christmas Tree

$229 at Wayfair$760 at Michaels$580 at Kohls.com

What to Know About Buying Artificial Christmas Trees

Understand the Size and Layout of Your Space

When picking out your next artificial Christmas tree, interior designerLiz Toombsrecommends thinking about the size and shape of the tree that you like and understanding the layout of your space to make sure it will adequately fit.

First, measure the room where you want to place your tree, from floor to ceiling. “Ideally, your tree should have a few inches of space between the top of the tree and the ceiling. This allows for a tree topper and provides a balanced look. Don’t forget to account for the height of your tree stand as well,” Toombs says.

Pick the Right Size and Shape

Picking the right size and shape of a Christmas tree for your space will ensure it looks aesthetically pleasing. When it comes to shape, a tree that is too large can overwhelm a small room, while a tiny tree might get lost in a large space. You want to make sure the tree is taking up adequate space with its width — while a slim tree is ideal for smaller rooms, a full tree would be a better pick for a larger room since there’s more space to fill.

Aside from the height of the room you want to put the tree in, you should also consider your personal preferences. For example, if you like to display lots of ornaments, a sparser tree would make it easier to fit more decorations.

Consider Ease of Assembly and Storage

While artificial trees are great because they don’t shed as much as real trees and can be enjoyed with less maintenance, they do have to be stored for the majority of the year. If you have a small home or are tight on storage, figuring out where to put your tree can be a daunting task. This is why it’s important to pick a tree that’s collapsable, compact, and easy to store. Also, the less full your tree is, the less space it will take up when you take it down and fold it up, so opting for a slimmer tree is a safe bet for space-saving efforts.

PVC vs. PE vs. Tinsel

The right tree material for you largely depends on what aesthetic you’re trying to achieve and what features matter most to you.

Keep Needle Density in Mind

Needle density is the number of fascicles, or needles, per shoot length. The higher the needle density, the fuller – and more realistic – your tree looks. PVC trees are cheaper but will have a lower needle density and will look less full. PE trees are more textured, multidimensional, and have a higher needle density. If you have a larger space, you can get away with a fuller tree, so a higher needle density would be the best choice.

Behind the Scenes

We’ve tested over 50 artificial Christmas trees from Home Depot, Walmart, Balsam Hill, Amazon, and more. We spent several days assembling, decorating, and then disassembling them to determine the best trees on the market. We graded each tree based on its ease of assembly, appearance, stability, and ease of storage — all super important criteria, whether you’re looking for something traditional or nontraditional.

After testing, we then weighed the price of the tree against its appearance to determine the overall value. Some of the most inexpensive artificial Christmas trees we tested were some of our top performers!

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Olivia Avittis a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE who specializes in home and lifestyle content, includingmattresses,wet-dry vacuums, andarea rugs. When writing this guide on the best places to buy Christmas trees, she thoroughly researched product and retailer reviews and considered insights from the PEOPLE Tested team to help readers choose the absolute best artificial tree for the upcoming holiday season. She also consulted interior decorator Liz Toombs who shared tips on picking the perfect tree for your home.

Our Expert PanelLiz Toombs is a certified interior decorator and the owner/president ofPDR Interiors.

Our Expert Panel

Liz Toombs is a certified interior decorator and the owner/president ofPDR Interiors.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com