Everything you need to know about choosing an artificial Christmas tree that works for you.
Height
A good rule of thumb is to have at least 12 inches between the top of your tree and the ceiling. This also accounts for a topper or any decorative stand that adds height to the tree. At Balsam Hill, we measure our trees from the stand to the topmost tip.
6.5 ft and Under
For homes with limited space and low ceilings
7 to 9 ft
For rooms with average to high ceilings
8 to 12 ft
For spacious rooms and vaulted ceilings
Shape
A tree’s shape gives you a general idea of how much room it takes up. Go for a narrow or slim Christmas tree for limited spaces and a wide, full-sized one if you have a spacious area. Calculate your available floor space and check it against the dimensions of a Christmas tree.
Realism
We design many Balsam Hill trees after real species—from the shape and texture of the needles to the nuances in colour. Best of all, they stay evergreen and need little to no maintenance.
Most Realistic
True to nature from tip to trunk, crafted to capture the beauty of real Christmas trees.
Realistic
Features a mix of foliage for realism and fullness, perfect for your Christmas celebrations.
Traditional
Classic Christmas tree designs that bring timeless festive charm and great value.
Needle Type
We categorise needle types according to the material used. PVC needles are flat and papery, while polyethylene (PE) needles offer more dimension. Look at close-up photos or check our Branch Sample Kit to learn more.
True Needle®
Injection-molded PE needles that mimic the structure, texture, and color variations of real trees.
Classic Needle
Soft, flat, and flexible PVC needles with a more classic artificial Christmas tree look.
reNEW™
Eco-friendly Christmas trees crafted with True Needle® technology, made from 30% recycled or plant-based plastic.
Species
Certain species may hold special meaning because they remind you of the Christmas tree you had growing up. That’s why we use nature as inspiration and create moulds from real branch clippings to make lifelike artificial Christmas trees.
Fir
Dense branches with flat and flexible needles sprouting individually from the stem.
Spruce
Rough branches with sharp, four-sided needle points.
Pine
Sparser branches around the trunk, with thin, clustered needles attached to the stem.
Colour
Depending on the species, real trees come in different shades of green, and the same is true for Balsam Hill trees. For instance, the Blue Spruce has blue-green needles, while the Noble Fir has a gray tint to it. Some trees are multi-toned, like the Fraser fir, with dark green tips and silver undersides.
Lights
We also offer different Christmas tree lighting options to complement the rest of your Christmas decorations.
Pre-Lit
Comes with either incandescent or LED lights, which differ in efficiency and longevity. LED lights consume less electricity and produce less heat than incandescent bulbs.
Unlit
Gives you the freedom to experiment with lights. For easier set-up, go for trees with Simple String® technology. Just plug in compatible light strings, and you have a custom pre-lit Christmas tree for next year.
Learn more about our Christmas tree light types
Set-Up
To make your set-up easier, we’ve incorporated exclusive technology in our premium artificial Christmas trees.
Flip Trees®
No more heavy lifting—just wheel the tree base into place on a built-in rolling stand, easily flip it over, and attach the smaller treetop.
Easy Plug®
Light strings automatically connect through the trunk, so the only plug you need is the one that goes into the wall.
Pre-Fluffed®
Each tree is professionally hand-shaped before shipping. Strong memory wire branches fan out as you set up, so fluffing takes less time.
Why Choose Balsam Hill Artificial Christmas Trees?
Special Welcome Kit
Each Balsam Hill Christmas tree comes with a lightweight premium steel stand, soft cotton gloves for fluffing, and storage bag/s for the off-season. Pre-lit trees are also shipped with extra bulbs and fuses.
The Best Warranty
Enjoy a 3-year warranty on all non-clearance trees. This covers the quality of tree frame, foliage, hinges, stand, and repair or replacement of lights on pre-lighted Christmas trees. Visit our warranty page to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose a Quality Artificial Christmas Tree?
Focus on materials, such as PE needles for realism, high branch tip count for fullness, branch flexibility and sturdiness, and a comprehensive warranty for peace of mind.
What Is a Good Tip Count for an Artificial Tree?
It varies by tree height, but in general, the higher the tip count, the fuller and more realistic the tree will appear. For example, a 7.5-foot tree with 1,500 to 2,500 tips typically looks lush and natural.
How Much Should I Spend on an Artificial Tree?
The price of an artificial tree can range from £100 to over £1,000, depending on size, realism, and features like lighting or storage bags. How much you should spend on a lifelike tree ultimately depends on your budget and desired quality.
Which Artificial Christmas Tree Looks Most Realistic?
Balsam Hill trees made with our True Needle technology, are widely recognised for their realism. They're designed to mimic the colour, texture, and structure of real evergreen needles, often featuring various tip variations and full silhouettes.
How Do PE and PVC Needles Compare in Terms of Realism?
PE (polyethylene) needles are moulded to mimic the shape, texture, and colour of real evergreen needles, making them look highly realistic up close. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) needles, on the other hand, are flatter and cut from sheets, giving them a more traditional, less lifelike appearance. While PE offers greater realism, many trees use a mix of both materials to balance authentic looks and fullness.
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