In search of the perfect fake christmas tree

[nmissi]

This year I have to replace my Christmas tree. On the one hand, I'm not looking forward to shopping for it. The last time I looked for a tree, I ended up settling for one I didn't much like, because the pickings were slim. But it was very close to Christmas, then; our tree had done two plummets to the floor due to a broken base, and the need for

Comments

[alanna_dreams]

Ok, I want to put a disclaimer on this comment: I have never experienced the quality of these trees.

But! www.balsamhill.com
This looks to be a fairly good place to start with your hunt. They have a section of trees named "Unlit" which I know is one of your must haves.

Also, I found out through googling that what you want for needles is...

Question: What are Polyethylene (PE) Trees?
Answer: Liquid PE is poured into a mold for the branches. These molds are based off of actual tree needles. The end result is a very realistic looking tree with crush-resistant needles that will last for years without losing their looks.

This process apparently makes the needles softer and less scratchy. You are more than welcome to do your own research (which I know you will :P) and come to your own conclusions.

Additionally, while searching I came across this which was advertised as "Christmas Trees since 1976": www.treeclassics.com.

[droxy]

I have a hudson valley brand tree. it's old by todays standards and it is wire and bristle- not like what you mention. I dont like prelit trees because they are always white lights and I suspect the electrical shorts out in them after 3 years or sooner. You need to try to go to a designer decorator place...I find most trees at lowes or home depot are not as nice as my old hudon vally tree. I cant have a real one, I'm allergic.

Keep shopping.

[nmissi]

I've never had a real tree; mamau had a silver foil one, and Mom bought the rubber and plastic one. When I was grown, I thought about having a real tree, but never got round to trying it. I guess it's what you're used to, is what you prefer- everytime I think "real tree" I think "fire, asthma, wild animals like in "Christmas Vacation."

[droxy]

pre lit trees exist due to modern lack of time syndrome, working moms, and convienience.

[duncatra]

We always had fake trees, and I never minded the wire bit and don't remember it being all that bristly, but I can see the appeal of a rubber/plastic version.

I prefer the uniform small white lights, so I would probably go for a prelit tree - I remember how much my father hated doing the light strings, even though he was always meticulous about storing them so they wouldn't get tangled... Not that I'm going to get a tree anytime soon. (Even my parents got rid of theirs years ago.)