15 of the best artificial Christmas trees and where to buy them
We Brits love the idea of a real Christmas tree – but not so many of us are keen on the realities of dragging a 7ft Norway Spruce through the house and leaving needles all over the place.
If you count yourself among the reluctant group, then it may be time to go fake.
After all, buying an artificial Christmas tree needn't mean accepting defeat. You might balk at the idea of a plastic tree, but the reality is that a quality faux fir is far from a faux pas (however, if you are also interested in real trees instead of an you can find out more about where to find a real Christmas tree here).
Once you've selected your tree of choice, make sure to check out our guide to decorating your tree like a pro.
So without further ado, here's our tree-mendous artificial Christmas tree guide to help you see the (artificial) wood through the trees, covering everything from the super-realistic to the frosted, and from the pop-up to the pre-lit:
Why choose an artificial Christmas tree?
The big bonus is cost: artificial trees can last for decades, so they work out cheaper than paying for a real tree every year. Retailers are offering great deals at the moment: Balsam Hill has a clearance sale on while Treetopia has 30% off, with free delivery.
Aesthetic-wise, for the symmetrical obsessed among you, they look fabulous from all angles. And just think of the time you'll save not having to hoover up pesky needles.
What are the downsides?
You might think you're saving the planet, but a fake tree is actually not the most environmentally friendly of options. Most are made in factories in Asia, racking up some serious air miles to reach the UK. They're made from non-biodegradable metal and plastic, and many end their lives in landfill.
On the other hand, of course, keep your tree for years and years and it will start to pay you back in terms of carbon footprint; whereas a 'real' one will always have to be transported, used and disposed of every year.
The other problem with a faux tree is that they can look synthetic – and of course you won't get that lovely pine smell. You'll also need find space for storage.
What should I look out for?
Size: Generally speaking, they range from 4ft to 12ft. Most people opt for a 7ft tree, which fits in the average sized living room.
Price: 7ft trees come as low as £20, but you can spend over £8000 if you want, too. Spending as much as you can is worth it: a cheap tree will probably look cheap.
Tips: Go for a tree with a high tip count. This refers to the number of needles; the higher the count, the fuller the tree will look.
PVE or PE: Go for PE tips if you can afford them. They're moulded to look like real needles and look realistic even up close. PVC ones are cheaper and are cut to look like needles - sometimes unsuccessfully.
Best real-looking artificial Christmas trees
The White Company's Spruce Christmas tree
The White Company goes to great lengths to achieve the most natural shade of green and the most realistic look of fir. What makes this tree extra-special is that most branches have been hand-painted. It comes complete with a stand, so it is quick and easy to put up and take down again once the festivities end.
The White Company's spruce 7.5ft Christmas tree £260, thewhitecompany.com
White Stores' Nobilis Fir Christmas tree
This tree looks incredibly realistic and it's easy to shape how you see fit. It comes with a foldable metal base and can be placed indoors or out. They have recommended decoration numbers (which comes in handy as a guide). These are: 3ft tree = 60 items, 4ft tree = 90 items, 5ft tree = 120 items, 6ft tree = 160 items, 7ft tree = 200 items, 8ft tree = 300 items, 10ft tree = 400 items
6ft Nobilis Fir Artificial Christmas Tree, £89, White Stores
Selfridges' Glenwood Fir Christmas tree
This luxurious 7.5ft tree comes pre-prepared with its own lights, so no hours untangling wires. It comes in three sections for easy set up, and will last you a lifetime. It is the priciest tree in this edit, but if you really want to push the boat out with a I-can't-believe-it's-so-real tree, this is the one to buy.
Selfridges glenwood fir 7.5 ft pre-lit artificial tree £750, Selfridges
Balsam Hill's Nordmann Fir Christmas tree
Known as the most popular Christmas tree species in Europe, the nordmann fir is renowned for its stately shape and rich green colour. This artificial version has rich, glossy needles made from the moulds of live tree cuttings and comes either lit or pre-lit with LED lights. The 7ft unlit tree costs £289 and the pre-lit equivalent will set you back £409 - but if you've got cash to splash and you're after a real showstopper that will look great year after year, this is a good option. There's free shipping, and it comes with a 10 year warranty.
Balsam Hill's nordmann fir Unlit option is £289, balsamhill.co.uk
Best mid-price artificial Christmas trees
John Lewis & Partners Kensington Christmas tree
A bushy and compact slimline artificial Christmas tree, pre-lit with 300 white LEDs. It's a rich, emerald-green colour, with a neat, triangular silhouette. It has an innovative pop-up design which makes it simple to set up and easy to store after the festive season. A metal stand is included.
John Lewis and Partners Kensington Pre-lit 5ft Christmas Tree, 5ft £149.00
Marks & Spencer's Noble Fir Christmas tree
A traditional fir in dark green, this 7ft Christmas tree comes pre-lit with warm white lights, a quick assembly metal stand and a six-metre cable make for easy set up and placement in any space.
Forest Pine 7ft Christmas Tree, £140, Marks & Spencer
Next Interiors' Forest Pine Christmas tree
Neat, dark green and very bushy, this is the cheapest and most structured of our selection of mid-price trees.
Forest Pine 7ft Christmas Tree, £75, Next Interiors
Best budget artificial Christmas trees
Argos Home Slim Christmas tree
This slim 6 foot artificial evergreen Christmas tree is quick and easy to assemble, only £20, although you might want to cover the base with a tree skirt.
Best flocked Christmas tree
Very's Bavarian Pine Christmas tree
With fake trees, you can either keep it real, or come over all Mariah Carey. This one comes with berries, pine cones and frosted snow - all you need to do is add lights. A very reasonable price, too.
Bavarian Pine Christmas Tree with Snowy Look, £79.99, Very
Best space-saving artificial Christmas tree
John Lewis & Partners' Slender Spruce Christmas tree
Not many of us are lucky enough to have huge sitting rooms, so a slim tree is a savvy buy. This John Lewis tree has outer tips that are accurately moulded and coloured to mimic a real spruce tree. Bushier PVC branches sit closer to the trunk to bulk the tree and create extra fullness.
Slender Spruce Unlit Christmas Tree, 6ft, £79, John Lewis & Partners
Best coloured artificial Christmas tree
Very's White Regal Fir Christmas tree
This 6ft white tinsel tree comes complete with a sturdy metal stand. You can go minimalist and stick to matching white or silver decorations, or go all-out faux with super-bright baubles and lights.
6ft White Regal Fir Christmas Tree, £59.99, Very
Argos Home Pink Christmas tree
This pink tinsel-tastic two footer is perfect for a small flat, child's bedroom, or simply, if you fancy a tree for every room and haven't got a huge budget. John Lewis has some beautiful rainbow tree decorations this year that will cheer up any home.
2ft Tinsel Christmas Tree, £9.99, Argos Home
Argos Home Grey Ombre Christmas tree
When it comes to fake trees, there is always a talking-point trend. This year, it's ombre. Wrap with a long string of mini white lights and dispense with decorations.
Grey Ombre Tree 6ft, £40, Argos Home
Best table top artificial Christmas tree
The White Company's Table-top Christmas tree
The White Company's 1.5ft artificial Christmas tree is in a natural shade of green and comes complete with a stylish zinc pot. What’s more, this tree features battery-operated fairy lights.
Pre-Lit Christmas Tree, 1.5ft, £30.00, The White Company
Best wooden Christmas tree
Maison Du Monde's wooden tree
Want a minimalist look and don't have lots of room? Simply hang your favourite baubles and decorations from this stylish wooden version that will last for years.
Wooden Christmas tree, £35.99, Maison Du Monde
For more Christmas features and gift guides, see www.telegraph.co.uk/christmas
