If you're searching for the right artificial tree, make sure you are purchasing a tree that meets your quality expectations. Traditionally, the quality of an artificial tree has been based on the number of tree "tips". Everyone knows that it's not festive to have a Christmas tree with a clearly visible center pole!

You should also consider the quality of the tree stand. Avoid plastic or cheap metal stands, and look for metal legs with rubber feet to prevent scratching the flooring. Finally, make sure the construction of your tree is "hinged", not "hooked". A "hooked" tree is less expensive, but it requires a very time-consuming branch-by-branch assembly.

When shopping online, we recommend you carefully inspect photographs of the tree you are considering. Look for websites that provide "super zoom" photos of complete trees so you can look for details of quality and craftsmanship. Make sure you can view a high-resolution photograph of the tree, in order to gauge the level of quality. Many trees look great at low resolution but lose 100% of their allure and beauty when you see them in person.

As for the number of branch tips, different tree styles have different tip quantities. For example, a 7.5' Scotch Pine has 724 tips, while most other 7.5' trees have thousands of tips, because a Scotch Pine has very long needles in nature and therefore fewer tips as an artificial tree. Since it is virtually impossible to compare trees across manufacturers, we recommend you look at a close-up photo of the whole tree to see if it looks "full." Inspect it to see if you can spot the center pole of the tree. If so, that's a telltale sign you're dealing with a tree of inferior quality.

PE plastic tips-like exclusive True Needle™-are the highest quality, followed by PVC plastic tips. However, quality varies dramatically depending on material quality and coloring. For example, high quality PVC tips with color and texture variations may provide a more realistic appearance than low-quality, single-color PE tips. The best way to judge a tree is in person or through a close-up photo. Preferred retailers allow you to order a Branch Sample Kit to review the quality in person before making a purchase.

Getting the Lights Just Right!

Why are prelit trees so popular?

When you buy an artificial tree, you're saving the time and hassle of untangling and stringing your own Christmas lights. Most manufacturers provide a variety of options, including clear lights, multicolored lights, and other configurations. Premium retailers offer Color+Clear™ lights, allowing you to change from clear to multicolor to both, all at the touch of a remote button.

Many people think "the more lights the better." Manufacturers will often skimp on quality by reducing the number of lights; others pack the tree so full of lights that the glare hides the poor tree construction. Preferred retailers carefully craft trees with a naturally aesthetic lighting aspect, giving the tree a warm, festive winter glow.

To judge the quality of tree lights, make sure the lights are UL-approved and have standard features like "anti-twist" bulbs and a design supporting continued lighting functionality even when one burns out. Always check the length of the warranty; make sure the company selling you the tree is the company that backs up the warranty: otherwise you will be passed on to a third party.

Size & Shape: Pick Your Favorite

The most common tree height is 7.5 feet, as measured from the floor to the top of the tree. Trees 9' or taller are popular in rooms with high ceilings, and 6.5' trees are popular for smaller rooms. 4'-5' trees are popular for table-top locations.

The standard tree shape is "full"; trees for smaller spaces are called "narrow" or "slim." We suggest you consider the tree diameter to help you pick the perfect tree. This measurement is taken at the very widest point of the tree, so if you don't mind a few tree tips touching a wall or a piece of furniture, the true space occupied by the tree will be 6"-8" less than the reported diameter. The other key is to make sure the tree is a natural shape. If it is "pencil-shaped," it probably doesn't look like a real tree. If you are looking for a space-saving tree, we recommend a tree like the Manhattan Flatback Tree, which is designed to look like a full tree while taking up half the space.