We Britons 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 this sounds familiar, then it may be time to go fake. And, though you might balk at the idea of a plastic tree, the reality is that a quality faux fir is far from a faux pas and buying an artificial Christmas tree needn’t mean accepting defeat. Here’s everything you need to know and how to find your perfect match.
Why choose an artificial Christmas tree?
Artificial trees can last for decades, so they work out much cheaper than paying for a real tree every year. They’re symmetrical and look good from all angles — and you’ll save time not having to hoover up 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.
One other problem with a faux tree? They can look synthetic – and of course you won’t get that lovely pine smell. You’ll also need to 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 £8,000 if you want.
- 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.
- PVC or PE (polyethylene) needle tips: Go for PE tips if you can afford them. They’re moulded in 3D to look like real needles and as a result look realistic even up close. PVC ones are cheaper and are cut from sheets to look like needles – sometimes unsuccessfully.
Best artificial Christmas trees to buy in 2021
1. The White Company Symons Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree
£395, The White Company
