Artificial Trees for Beginners

In depth

Let’s talk about getting your first artificial Christmas tree – or any festive foliage for that matter – right. It can feel overwhelming at first, wading through the sheer variety available. Lots of terms get thrown around, and it's easy to be misled by fancy promises. Don’t worry; we're here to break down what really matters when you're buying your initial tree. The most important thing is to understand that a 'slimline' or 'compact' tree isn’t necessarily smaller in height – it’s referring to the spread of the branches. This can make a big difference to how much space it takes up, so pay attention to the overall dimensions, not just the advertised height.

Branch tip quality is something you'll notice immediately. Some artificial trees have very dense, almost overly-full branches, while others have sparser ones. The denser trees look more realistic initially but can be difficult to decorate effectively and often require a lot of space to spread out. Sparsely branched trees allow for better light penetration, making them easier to decorate with lights, and they tend to feel less ‘stuffed’ when you're adding ornaments. Don’t get caught up in the idea that 'fuller' is always better – it depends on your personal style and how you plan to adorn the tree. It’s generally best for a first-time buyer to start with something moderately dense; you can always upgrade later if you find yourself wanting more fullness.

Then there’s the material itself, usually PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PE (polyethylene). PVC is the most common and affordable option, and it's perfectly fine for initial use. However, it tends to feel a little colder to the touch than PE, which can be slightly warmer and more pliable. PE trees are generally considered higher quality and tend to hold their shape better over time but come at a higher price point. Don’t worry about this too much initially; both materials will look good with careful decoration. It's worth noting that some manufacturers use a blend of PVC and PE – this is often a good compromise between cost and quality.

The ‘flocking’ process refers to how the branches are treated with a special powder to give them a realistic, snowy appearance. Some trees have light flocking (a very subtle dusting), while others are heavily flocked. Heavily flocked trees can look quite artificial if not decorated carefully; the flocking tends to clump and collect dust more readily. Light flocking is generally easier to work with for beginners and will still create a festive effect without looking overly contrived. Consider that you can always add additional flocking powder yourself if you prefer a heavier snowfall – it’s often much cheaper than buying a heavily flocked tree.

Branch length is another crucial detail. Trees are typically measured from the tip of the highest needle to the base. This measurement dictates how tall the tree will be when fully extended, but it doesn't account for the angle of the branches. A tree with longer needles will naturally appear taller than one with shorter needles, even if they’re the same height. Pay attention to the ‘spread’ or ‘width’ figure alongside the height – this gives you a better sense of how much space the tree will occupy in your room. It's worth measuring the space where you intend to put the tree before purchasing, just to ensure it won’t overwhelm the area.

Finally, don’t get too hung up on ‘pre-lit’ trees at first. While they offer convenience, adding lights yourself is often more cost-effective and allows for greater control over the colour and style of illumination. The lights that come with pre-lit trees are frequently low-quality and can be difficult to untangle. If you're new to decorating trees, it's usually easier to buy a tree without lights and add them yourself – there’s a huge range of LED lights available in various colours and styles. Once you have more experience, you can certainly invest in a pre-lit tree for added convenience. Things like ‘hinged branches’ are mostly about making the tree easier to assemble and disassemble – they don't significantly affect the overall appearance.