BBB has tips to help you find the perfect tree this Christmas.
Buying a Christmas tree is an exciting part of the holiday season.
If you want to buy an artificial tree instead of a live tree, you might feel overwhelmed by the many choices available. The array of features and price points can make finding the right tree for you challenging.
10 tips to remember when shopping for an artificial Christmas tree:
1. Measure your space and know your sizes.
Before buying a tree, measure your space and determine what size tree is right for you. You’ll want to measure your floor space and your ceiling height.
Trees typically come in three widths: full, slim or pencil. Slim or pencil-sized trees are great for small spaces. Choose a flat-back Christmas tree that fits against a wall if floor space is a big concern. Trees generally come in half-foot increments, from tabletop trees up to about 12 feet tall.
Remember that you’ll want to leave extra space between the top of your tree and the ceiling, especially if you have a tree topper.
4. Consider the pros and cons of a pre-lit tree.
If you dread lighting your Christmas tree each year, a pre-lit Christmas tree can save you time and effort. However, pre-lit trees are pricier.
If you go this route, look for a tree that uses LED lights; these lights last longer, and you can save up to 90 percent on energy usage.
Keep in mind that all lights have a limited lifespan. You may need to re-wire your tree when these lights start burning out, and this can be more difficult than expected depending on how the tree is wired.
5. Decide on your branch material and tip count.
Artificial trees are made with different materials. Very realistic artificial trees are made with polyethylene (PE), whereas older trees are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
You may find trees made with exclusively PE or PVC needles, or a mixture of both. Choose the material you want based on how realistic you want your tree to appear.
“Tip count,” the number of needles on a tree, is a typical stat featured on product listings for artificial trees. The higher the tip count, the more realistic the tree.
Industry experts recommend at least 2,500 tips on a 5-foot or 6-foot tree and 4,000 to 5,000 tips on a 7½-foot tree.
9. Shop around before deciding on a tree.
Once you decide on your budget and your ideal tree, you may wonder where to buy your artificial Christmas tree.
You have plenty of options: You can shop at home improvement stores, department stores, garden centers, and more. You can also shop online, but watch out for scams (see our tip below).
Shop at a few stores before making a final purchase, since some may offer different brands and types of artificial trees, and some may promote special sales or discounts on tree purchases.
Look for the BBB Seal to know you’re shopping with a BBB Accredited Business.
10. Watch out for scams.
BBB Scam Tracker has received complaints about scam websites selling artificial Christmas trees. Shoppers report seeing ads online or on social media for supposed sales and significant discounts on pre-lit, full-size Christmas trees. After ordering, they do not receive their order and find it nearly impossible to get a refund.
Before you purchase on an unfamiliar website:
- Check out the company and look for the BBB Seal to see if the business is BBB Accredited.
- Check that you are on the company’s actual website.
- Confirm that the business has working contact information.
If you suspect a scam, search BBB Scam Tracker to see if others have reported similar scams.
