How to Buy the Best Artificial Christmas Tree You Can Afford

close up of realistic tree branches with red and gold ornaments

The debate returns every year: Should you buy a live Christmas tree – or is this the year to spring for an artificial tree? Real or fake, supporters of each variety can be passionate about their preference.

A live tree has charming imperfections and smells fantastic, but dropped needles and the need to water regularly are turn-offs. On the other hand, an artificial tree doesn’t trigger allergies or require daily maintenance.

Full-sized artificial Christmas trees generally cost more up-front than real trees. However, since an artificial Christmas tree lasts for years, you can end up saving money in the long run.

Understandably, you have to balance your needs with your budget. Cheap artificial Christmas trees are sold just about everywhere during the holidays, but may not exhibit the life-like look you desire. When searching for a high-quality, realistic Christmas tree, your options shrink considerably. Realism tends to come at a price.

Is there a way to strike a happy medium between an affordable Christmas tree and a fake Christmas tree that looks natural? Absolutely!

close u pof classic Christmas tree branches made from PVC

Classic PVC branches

close up of realistically molded PE Christmas tree branches

Realistic PE branches

What Makes an Artificial Christmas Tree Look Realistic?

To compare the aesthetics and value of faux Christmas trees, it helps to understand how they are made.

Artificial trees are commonly constructed from two materials: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE). Each material offers a distinct look.

Feathery strips of PVC plastic create the appearance of needles on traditional artificial Christmas trees. Classic Christmas trees made from PVC can be purchased very affordably and are a sound option for a strained Christmas budget.

However, while PVC Christmas trees provide the desired cone-shaped framework for Christmas ornaments, they don’t offer the same level of realism as Christmas trees with PE branches.

The most realistic artificial Christmas trees feature PE branch tips molded from casts of real pine branches.

Highly realistic Christmas trees also tend to have more branch tips overall for a fuller appearance. The tip count will be noted in the product description.

Always compare tip counts with trees of similar height and silhouette, since taller or fuller trees will likely have more tips than smaller or skinnier ones.

The most realistic Christmas trees feature a high tip count for realism. Abundant natural-looking branches make them appear extremely lifelike.

Of course, the more PE branches a tree contains, the more expensive it’s likely to be. That’s why realistic Christmas trees typically place the life-like PE tips toward the outside of the tree and fill the interior with PVC branches to provide fullness and help balance the cost.

close up of gold ornaments on natural looking dark green artificial Christmas tree branches

How to Find the Most Realistic Artificial Christmas Tree You Can Afford

A realistic artificial Christmas tree can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but there are values to be found if you shop carefully.

Look for Christmas trees with a pleasing blend of PE and PVC branches. Many of these products can be found in our line of Real Touch™ Luxury Greenery that includes artificial Christmas trees, wreaths and garland. Real Touch trees offer realism and value and compare favorably with the best artificial Christmas trees from other retailers.

One alternative to trim your tree budget is to buy a slightly smaller tree. Consider a shorter tree, or one with a slimmer profile. A small adjustment in size can make a big difference in price.

Another way to get the best Christmas tree value by buying an unlit tree and adding your own lights.

closeup of white, bronze and gold ornaments on a Christmas tree with white fireplace garland and lights blurred in background

Additional Features of Best Quality Artificial Christmas Trees

Aside from realistic foliage, many high-quality artificial Christmas trees come with additional features that enhance their look and use.

For instance, Christmas Central’s Real Touch Elite™ trees use Instant Power Technology for quick and easy set-up. Lighting is wired through the center pole, so all lights connect automatically as the tree is assembled. In addition, our Elite trees offer dual-color LED lights with multiple light options for all-white, multicolor or soft color options. A range of function settings lets you light your tree exactly the way you want. In addition, memory wire branches “remember” your careful shaping year after year, for less fussing and easier setup and decorating.

With their easy connections and lighting choices, Real Touch EliteTM trees compare well with some of the best quality artificial Christmas trees on the market.

small Christmas trees in modern neutral toned living room

Consider Non-Traditional Options

Are you flexible about your Christmas tree style? Some of the best artificial Christmas tree deals can be found by those willing to consider a non-traditional Christmas tree.

A traditional Christmas tree is green, pre-lit and at least 6 feet tall with a medium to full profile. On the other hand, a non-traditional tree may be shorter, slimmer, unlit or even potted. Some of these characteristics were mentioned earlier, but they deserve a little more attention.

Small Christmas Trees

A 7 foot tall Christmas tree can dominate a small room. By comparison, a small Christmas tree is a space-saving option that can represent a significant bargain. Christmas Central offers dozens of trees between three and five feet tall, including many in our Real Touch™ line of lifelike Christmas trees, that are perfect for small houses and apartments.

Small trees are quick to decorate and easy to store. Set one on a table beside a window. From the outside, no one will even know it isn’t full size. Plus, the open space below the table leaves more room for presents!

Slim Christmas Trees

Artificial Christmas trees come in three main shapes, or profiles. A tree with a wide silhouette is known as a full profile tree. Narrower tree silhouettes include medium profile and the space-saving slim or pencil Christmas tree. When all other features are equal, a slim Christmas tree is often a less expensive option than a full or medium profile tree. Slim Christmas trees offer a beautiful and elegant look and their slender shape makes them perfect for corners and compact spaces.

Potted Christmas Trees

There’s no reason a potted Christmas tree can’t be your primary Christmas tree! Potted trees replace the traditional four-footed base with an attractive container that doesn’t need to be hidden by a tree skirt. You’ll find potted Christmas trees in all sizes, including heights that are just right for your living room or foyer.

Unlit Christmas Trees

An unlit Christmas tree can cost considerably less than the same size pre-lit model. This could represent a significant savings, especially if you already have your own Christmas lights. While pre lit Christmas trees come wired with either incandescent or LED mini lights, unlit artificial Christmas trees expand your options. Add classic C9 light strings, wide angle LEDs or novelty lights to reflect your own individual style.

Nordic Christmas Trees

Do you appreciate the spare, natural lines of Nordic design? You’re in luck! Alpine Christmas trees offer some of our best (and underappreciated) bargains! Alpine trees mimic the natural look of mountaintop pines. Their open branch structure allows the natural beauty of a few simple Christmas ornaments to shine.

Honorable Mention: The Wall Tree

6.5-foot prelit medium beaver pine wall tree

Meant to sit flat against a wall, wall trees are literally half a Christmas tree. While a half wall Christmas tree won’t win any prizes for realism, it is both space-saving and budget friendly.

The Most Realistic Flocked Christmas Trees

7.5-foot pre-lit flocked grand teton pine

Flocked trees mimic the natural beauty of a pine dusted with snow. Many flocked Christmas trees feature classic PVC needles, which the flocking helps camouflage. Flocked trees with realistic needles do exist, but be prepared to pay a little more for life-like Christmas trees with a snow-covered look.

Christmas trees are a beautiful symbol of the season and a focal point of our holiday gatherings. You want your Christmas tree to express your personal style, but you need to manage all the other expenses associated with Christmas as you consider your purchase.

Fortunately, a little shopping savvy is all it takes to find the most realistic artificial Christmas tree to decorate your home at a price that doesn’t break your budget.

Shop for your faux Christmas tree early, when the selection is greatest. Study the varieties available, then decide the characteristics you can’t live without to narrow your choices and find the realistic artificial Christmas tree that represents the best value for your needs.

A good place to start is by browsing Christmas Central’s full selection of artificial Christmas trees. For the most realistic Christmas trees around, check out our Real Touch™ luxury artificial Christmas trees, and Real Touch Elite™ premium trees, available in many sizes and styles.