When deciding how to choose an artificial Christmas tree, it’s important to find one that matches your style and will last for many seasons. This guide will help you select the perfect tree for your home.
Height
A good rule of thumb is to leave about 12 inches between the top of your tree and the ceiling. This allows room for a topper or any decorative stand that adds height. At Balsam Hill, all tree measurements are taken from the stand to the topmost tip.
6 to 6.5 feet and Under
Perfect for homes with limited space and are designed to fit rooms with average ceiling heights.
7 to 7.5 feet
Ideal for rooms with standard 8- to 9-foot ceilings
8 to 9 feet
Great for spaces with high ceilings, these trees bring grand holiday elegance to your home
10 to 30 feet
Best for spacious rooms or vaulted ceilings where you want a grand focal point
Shape
A tree’s shape helps you determine how much space it will occupy. Choose a narrow or slim Christmas tree for smaller areas, or a wide, full tree if you have more room. Measure your available floor space and compare it with the Christmas tree’s dimensions to find the right fit.
1. Full
The most popular shape, featuring the classic silhouette of natural Christmas trees for a timeless holiday look.
2. Slim
Our slim and narrow Christmas trees are designed to fit perfectly in tight spaces and corners while maintaining a full, elegant look.
3. Wide
A fuller silhouette ideal for larger spaces, offering plenty of room to hang more or heavier ornaments for a grand holiday display.
Realism
We design many Balsam Hill trees after real species, capturing the natural shape, needle texture, and subtle colour variations. Best of all, they stay beautifully evergreen with little to no maintenance required.
Most Realistic
True to nature from tip to trunk, these trees are crafted to beautifully capture the realistic look and charm of real Christmas trees.
Realistic
Features a blend of foliage for added realism and fullness, making it perfect for creating a warm and festive Christmas display.
Traditional
Classic Christmas tree designs that offer timeless holiday charm and exceptional value for your festive celebrations.
Needle Type
We classify our trees based on the materials used for their needles. PVC needles are soft and flat, while polyethylene (PE) needles have more depth and realism. Explore close-up images or order our Branch Sample Kit to see and feel the difference yourself.
True Needle®
Injection-molded PE needles designed to replicate the natural structure, texture, and colour variations of real evergreen branches.
Classic Needle
Soft, flat, and flexible PVC needles that capture the traditional look and feel of a classic artificial Christmas tree.
reNEW™
Made with True Needle technology, crafted using 30% recycled or plant-based plastic for a lifelike and sustainable design.
Species
Some tree species evoke cherished holiday memories, reminding you of the ones you grew up with. That’s why we take inspiration from nature, using molds made from real branch clippings to craft lifelike artificial Christmas trees.
Fir
Features dense branches with flat, flexible needles that sprout individually from the stem, creating a natural and full appearance.
Spruce
Features rough branches with sharp, four-sided needle tips that replicate the natural texture and structure of real spruce trees.
Pine
Features sparser branches near the trunk, showcasing thin, clustered needles that mimic the natural look of real pine trees.
Colour
Just like real evergreens, Balsam Hill trees come in a variety of green shades inspired by different species. The Blue Spruce features blue-green needles, while the Noble Fir has a subtle grey tint. Others, like the Fraser Fir, showcase multi-toned foliage with dark green tips and silver undersides for added realism.
Green
Classic green Christmas trees available in a range of rich hues that reflect the natural beauty of different tree species.
White
White branches that create a bright backdrop, making your ornaments stand out beautifully.
Frosted
Lightly flocked trees featuring a delicate layer of faux snow for a charming wintry look.
Lights
We also offer a variety of Christmas tree lighting options to complement your holiday décor and create the perfect festive atmosphere.
Pre-Lit
A vibrant Christmas tree decorated with multicoloured lights glows beside a cozy fireplace, surrounded by wrapped gifts in a warm and festive living room.
Unlit
Gives you the freedom to customize your lighting. For easier setup, choose trees with Simple String® technology, just plug in compatible light strings to create your own pre-lit tree for next year.
Learn more about our Christmas tree light types
Set-Up
To make setup easier, our premium artificial Christmas trees feature exclusive, time-saving technology.
Flip Trees®
No more heavy lifting—simply roll the base into position using the built-in stand, flip the tree upright, and attach the top section.
Easy Plug®
Light strings connect automatically through the trunk, requiring just a single plug into the wall for easy setup.
Pre-Fluffed®
Each tree is expertly hand-shaped before shipping, with sturdy memory wire branches that automatically fan out during setup to reduce fluffing time.
Why Choose Balsam Hill Artificial Christmas Trees?
Special Welcome Kit
Each Balsam Hill Christmas tree includes a lightweight premium steel stand, soft cotton gloves for shaping, and storage bag(s) for off-season use. Pre-lit trees also come with extra bulbs and fuses.
The Best Warranty
Enjoy a 3-year warranty on all non-clearance trees, covering the tree frame, foliage, hinges, stand, and repair or replacement of lights on pre-lit trees. Visit our warranty page for full details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose a Quality Artificial Christmas Tree?
Look for trees made with PE needles for realism, a high branch tip count for fullness, sturdy and flexible branches, and a solid warranty for added peace of mind.
What Is a Good Tip Count for an Artificial Tree?
It depends on height, but generally, the higher the tip count, the fuller and more natural the tree will look. A 7.5-foot tree with around 1,500 to 2,500 tips typically appears lush and realistic.
How Much Should I Spend on an Artificial Tree?
Prices range from about $100 to over $1,000, depending on size, realism, and added features like lighting and storage. Your budget and preference for realism should guide your decision.
Which Artificial Christmas Tree Looks Most Realistic?
Balsam Hill trees featuring our True Needle technology are known for their lifelike appearance. They replicate the colour, structure, and texture of natural evergreen needles with exceptional detail.
How Do PE and PVC Needles Compare in Terms of Realism?
PE (polyethylene) needles are molded to match the shape, colour, and texture of real evergreens, offering a highly realistic look. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) needles are flatter and give a more traditional, classic tree appearance. Many Balsam Hill trees combine both for the perfect balance of realism and fullness.