Take the guesswork and intimidation out of buying an artificial flocked Christmas tree with these easy tips including where to buy and how to pick out the most beautiful tree!
Buying an artificial Christmas tree can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if you are purchasing one online. When you are unable to touch or feel the tree in person, it is sometimes scary to pull the trigger. And even when purchasing one in a brick and mortar store, how do you know if it will look nice decorated in your home?
Have no fear, I have a few tips and tricks to ensure you will love the tree you buy! After decades of loving and purchasing flocked trees (and even DIYing my own- tutorial here), I have compiled some little tricks and secrets to finding the best ones! I am pretty picky when it comes to my trees, so I hope you find my tips helpful.
I will also link to a few of my favorites below! If nothing else, just remember this one rule of thumb, a tree should look beautiful on its own, even without any decorations.
Picking the Shape of Tree and Needles
The first thing I look at when purchasing any type of artificial tree is the shape. I don't love trees that have a very overall straight cone shape with no variation up and down the sides. I like when I can see the varying branches and not just a large cone. There is a huge market for those cone trees though, so just because it isn't my style, doesn't mean it isn't yours. It is just something to take into consideration and decide what you really love.
There are many different types of branches and needles on trees out in nature and also on artificial Christmas trees. I have used many of them and like them for different reasons. The one I gravitate toward for my home tends to be one that has longer, pronounced branches (and fingers? does that make sense?). When I fluff my tree (tips for setting up a tree here), I always make sure that all of the blanches are straight and natural looking. I like when there is variation as it really shows off the needle flocking and piles of flocking as well. This is another one of those personal preference things, but it helps to notice the different types and decide which one you like best for your home before buying.
The Best Type of Christmas Tree Flocking
I admit it. I am reaaaaallllly picky about flocking. I love flocking that looks like it naturally occurs in nature. I don't, however, love when flocking looks like it was spray painted on. I will explain.
I prefer branches where the flocking is sprayed on the tops of the branches like snow would naturally fall onto it. Where it coats the topside, leaving sweet little piles of snow.
On the other hand, when flocking is sprayed all the way around branches (top, bottom, everywhere), I think it tends to look more fake and forced. And it leaves very little room for ornaments.
How and Where to buy DIY Flocking Online
If you have a tree that you want to makeover, check out my DIY tree flocking step-by-step picture tutorial and video in my blog post HERE. It is actually really easy and fun with quick results! I give all of my tips and sources for where to buy flocking online.
How Many Lights on a Christmas Tree?
The type, style, and number of lights are also important to take into consideration. They dramatically change the look and feel of an entire room. If done right, they can make a room feel extra special and full of Christmas spirit.
I prefer trees that have a whole bunch of lights because I love the soft glow of a flocked tree. My personal rule of thumb for prelit trees is 75- 100 lights per foot of tree. There is an exception to my little rule, though. If a tree is going to be in one of my kids' rooms, I usually opt for less lights. They love to fall asleep to the glow of the tree at Christmastime (I sneak in their rooms after they are asleep to turn them off), but I want them to actually be able to fall asleep.
One more thing to take into consideration with the lights is LED vs. Incandescent. I always buy the clear/white incandescent ones because I haven't been able to find LEDs that don't give me a headache for some reason. They also have a very different hue than incandescents. The upside to LEDs however is that they do save energy. Just some things to keep in mind.
Important Tips for Buying Christmas Trees Online
There are a couple of little tricks that I use when deciding which tree to buy (along with looking at the other things listed above).
- My number one trick is that I always check the reviews. Many times there are reviewers that post pictures of their Christmas trees that give you a better idea of what they look like in real life. In those pictures, I look for how the branches, tree shape, and flocking really look.
- Cross-check the trees you are interested in. If I find a tree I love on one site, I will look for it on other sites to compare price, reviews, additional pictures, etc.
- Check the manufacturer website. If there is a manufacturer listed, you can always track down their website to see if there are additional pictures for you to see. Likewise, if you are considering purchasing a tree directly from a manufacturers website, check other sites for the same tree. Many times other sites will be less expensive, offer free shipping, etc.
- I always look for free shipping when I buy my artificial Christmas trees. They are heavy and many of the sites offer free 2 day shipping! Fast and free, win-win!
Here are some of my favorites (I talk more about my Christmas sources here):
I hope that helps you in deciding which Christmas tree you want to purchase online. Many of these same tips can be used for un-flocked regular Christmas trees as well. If you do find one you love, please show me in instagram! I always love to see your beautiful trees!
Here are a few more tutorials you might find helpful:
- DIY- How to Flock a Christmas Tree
- How to decorate a Christmas Tree
- How to Add Ribbon to a Christmas Tree
- How to Set Up and Fluff an Artificial Christmas Tree
- DIY Tapered Wooden Christmas Tree Box
Krystle Nichols
Can you tell me where the wide red and white ticking ribbon is from?
Kristen Whitby
It was from a local store that went out of business.
Susanne Roberts
Who carries flocked trees that do not shed. Thank you!
glenda lafont
utterly fabulous, all of it.