How to Buy Your Artificial Christmas Tree

The most important step to decorating your Artificial Christmas Tree, is making sure you have the perfect tree. Our trees are of the highest quality. Our philosophy is that an educated consumer is the best consumer.  Don't be fooled by the so called cheater Christmas trees that you find at the big box stores. The Big Box Stores Christmas Trees have fewer tree tips and fewer lights, making them cheaper and inexpensive. A Christmas Tree is a time honored piece and should be something that you are proud to show off. With our Christmas trees that is exactly what you are getting. This guide will help you purchase the perfect Christmas tree for this season.

Whether real or artificial, when shopping for a Christmas tree, there are five key considerations to keep in mind: space, size, type, coverage and lighting.

Space

Decide where the tree will be placed, and create a space free of obstructions from the location. Lifestyle and living space also play an important role in choosing the right tree for the home. Slimline trees are popular among apartment and condo dwellers. With a 36-to 48-inch base, these trees are very narrow and easy to decorate and fit into smaller, non-traditional areas of the home.

Size

Trees are available in a variety of heights from 18 inches to 12 feet. Again, consider lifestyle when selecting the size of a tree. For homeowners “on the go,” trimming a 4-foot tree may prove to be festive and manageable.

Also, give thought to ceiling height. Allow at least one foot between the top of the tree and the ceiling, which creates enough space for the tree topper.

Type

Because most artificial trees today mimic real ones, the tree type is equally important to consider for both artificial and live trees. Trees vary in coloration, needle style and shape, creating a look and feel to complement personal style and preference. Among some popular varieties are the Fraser fir, Scotch pine, Noble fir and Douglas fir. For needles that look and feel like the real thing, check out three styles of GE “Just Cut” artificial trees.

Fullness

Coverage refers to the density of the tree’s branches. It is important to choose a tree that offers enough coverage to suit personal taste, but that still provides enough space to decorate. A full tree may be harder to decorate with little space to hang and display ornaments. A good gauge of fullness on an artificial tree is the “tip count.” Generally, the more tips the tree has, the fuller it looks.

Lighting

For artificial pre-lit trees, consider the tree’s coverage and light placement. Using the “squint test,” squint the eyes to reveal any holes or areas that are not properly lit to determine if it is the desired look and effect. When purchasing lights for live trees, measure the tree to determine how many lights it will require. Miniature lights are ideal for live trees because they produce less heat and reduce the drying effect on the tree. We offer a variety of long-lasting, durable lights including GE® lights with Constant ON™ lighting technology, which allows the lights to stay on even when a bulb burns out or becomes loose.

Some Artificial Christmas Tree Facts:

Are you tired of sweeping up pine needles and wondering how much water to give your Christmas Tree? That is why you need an artificial Christmas Tree. Not only will it be hassle-free, but it will also be one less cut-down tree.

christmascentral.com sells the latest technology in artificial trees. Don't be fooled by companies claiming they have the same tree for less money; you get what you pay for. We only deal with the largest Christmas tree companies that sell the absolute best artificial Christmas trees in the world.

Why should you buy an artificial Christmas Tree?

1. They are much easier to decorate.
2. Their needles do not shed which means less mess.
3. Non –allergenic
4. They have a fuller, more luxurious look.
5. They last for years.
6. They are much easier to select than a live tree.
7. They can be set up earlier and left up longer for a longer holiday.
8. By buying an artificial Christmas tree this prevents cutting down a live tree, which is more ecologically sound for our precious environment. Cutting down a real tree is wasteful and highly unfriendly to the environment.
9. They don't have to be watered or maintained.
10. Once the holiday season is over, you can just pack it up and store it until next year.
11. In the long run they pay for themselves.
12. They are less of a fire hazard because the needles are not real.
13. Assembly is so easy one person can set up the whole tree.

All trees ordered from www.ChristmasCentral.com come with a free tree stand – no assembly required.

 

Warranty:

All the manufacturers we deal with have a 5-year warranty on the tree and a 3-year warranty on the lights.

90% of the pre-lit trees we sell have Constant ON lights by GE. Constant ON lighting ensures that the lights will stay on even if a bulb is loose. You can actually pluck the bulb right out of the socket and all the other lights will stay lit. Anybody can say that they have lights that stay lit if one goes bad but their lights only stay lit if one burns out. Our Constant ON light sets are one that you no longer need the metal fuses. They have specially designed fused lamps that will assure that they will never overheat. This is the best of all Christmas light technology.

Just Cut Christmas Trees:

Enjoy the rich, natural beauty of a fresh-cut Christmas tree with the ease of these superbly crafted beauties. Each type of tree is exactly molded after the real tree. For example when they make a Just Cut Scotch Pine they actually take the branch of a real Scotch Pine tree in the forest and make a mold out of it. They have the look and feel of a real tree, so much detail is put into them that they actually take the time to hand paint each needle!

The branches of these Just Cut Trees have what is called New Memory Technology. No matter how long you had the tree you can jump on it, squeeze it, mess it up and they will constantly retain their shape. No more primping, fluffing, and arranging the branches, these Christmas trees are ready to go.

All of the Just Cut Trees have GE decorator’s choice Constant ON lights. This is a new patented technology where if one bulb comes out all the rest stay lit, unlike other companies trees, if one bulb burns out the others stay lit. This is the only light set where you can pull one out and they all stay lit. You will never have to look for the bad bulb again. These lights are also 30% brighter then the standard miniature bulb used on other trees.

Commercial-quality construction of fade, flame and crush-resistant PVC needles that have extra-thick ply to keep their shape year after year.

Individual tree sections have heavy-gauge wire branches that fold into position on metal hinges for durability, easy assembly and convenient storage.

Constant ON Lights

If you wish to add the Constant ON technology to any existing tree you can purchase them separately from us.

Christmas Tree Decorating Tips

STEP #1: Choose Your Tree
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Find the perfect Christmas tree whether it be real, or artificial, pick one out that is special for you. If you are looking for an artificial Christmas tree, browse our tree selection for the perfect one.

Your perfect tree doesn't have to be less perfect because of the height. Who says you can’t put a 9 foot tree in a room with a 9 foot ceiling? You sure can. All Christmas trees have a single strand on the top. This piece is usually at least 6 inches. Just simply fold it in half and Voila! You have turned your 9 foot Christmas tree into a 8.5 foot tree.

STEP #2: Set Up Your Tree
To set up your tree, you should always follow the manufacturers instructions that come in the box. Most artificial trees come with a stand these days. Once it is assembled you will want to shape the branches and limbs if needed. Some of the “Just Cut” Christmas trees don’t need any fluffing at all. If you have a real tree you will want to get a stand and set up your tree.

STEP #3: Christmas Lights
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If you don't have a Pre-Lit Christmas Tree, you want to first make sure that you test your lights. Join the strings together and plug them in. Replace any dead bulbs and make sure there is no damage to any of the cords.

Once all of your Christmas lights are working, connect them together and begins placing them on your tree from the top down. Make sure to leave the socket end of the lights at the top of the tree for your tree top.

How many lights should I use?
Don't skimp out! You should use 3 100-light sets per tree foot. So if you have a 7-foot Christmas tree, you will want to buy 21 100-light sets. Don't be afraid to mix and match lights. There is no rule that says you only have to use one kind, so be creative! If you are using any themed lights just be sure to put them on after the basic lights and evenly space them apart.

Where do I put my Christmas lights on the tree?
Arrange lights 'inside' your tree (about halfway from the tips of the branches to the trunk of the tree) as well as on the perimeter of the tree.

STEP #4: The Tree Topper
Find the perfect tree topper for your tree

This is one of the most important pieces. This is something that symbolizes the spirit of Christmas. Place that magical piece right on the top of your dazzling beauty. Good thing you left the socket end of the lights at the top of the tree so your tree top will have something to plug into if it is electric.

Keep in mind that just because it is a tree topper does not mean it has to go right at the top of the tree. If you have a 7.5 foot ceiling and a 7.5 foot Christmas tree you can always put it off to the side a bit.

STEP #5: The Garland
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Start at the top and just work your way down in a spiral pattern going around and around the tree until you get to the bottom.

How Much Garland shoud I use?
A rule of thumb is at least 9 feet of garland per foot of tree, so a 9-foot Christmas tree will need 81 feet of garland. We recommend though to buy more to be on the safe side, if you are left with any extra you can always use it on the mantle or wreaths.

How do I place my garland?
Gently swagged garland looks more graceful than straight or diagonal lines across the tree. Deeply swagged garland is beautiful, but can only be used on large trees with open space between branches. You can also place your garland vertically. Just attach it to the top of your tree (behind the tree topper) then loop it down vertically. Be sure to add some twists and turns, wiring to branches if necessary, in order to add interest and graceful curves. This technique is especially suited to ribbon.

Get creative with beaded garland - Beaded garlands can sometimes be cut up into lengths and used as tinsel to drape over branches. Be sure that if you cut the garland all the beads wont fall off of the string. Strings knotted between each bead or styles where beads are glued in place will work for this technique. Cut garland pieces about 16 inches long, fold in half and set on a branch. Vary the lengths to get a more interesting look. This works best with garland that is very flexible and will fold easily over branches.

STEP #6: The Ornaments
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To really make a statement about your Christmas tree start with the most important ornaments. Then hang the largest ones, spacing them evenly apart. You will then want to fill in the spaces with any medium and small sizes to balance the overall look of the tree. Don’t forget the bottom! You can add more depth by hanging ornaments closer to the trunk. And please use an interesting variety, there are so many fabulous ornaments for sale now so be sure to get some including icicles, teardrops, squares, triangles. A little variety can really separate your tree from the rest.

Place ornaments and other decorations 'inside' your tree as well as on the tips of branches, to add depth and interest.

STEP #7: The Tree Skirt
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Once your tree is completely decorated, wrap a tree skirt around the bottom and add some wrapped presents. You want to be sure that the skirt is big enough to cover the tree stand beneath. Also note that the skirt should not be wider than the average width of the tree branches.