Buying Guides

Why choose an artificial Christmas tree?

It's hard to compete with the convenience and hassle-free setup of an artificial tree. Quality artificial trees can last 10 years or more and are available in a large number of styles, making it easy for you to find the size, shape and look you need. Before you get started, consider the following:

• Do you prefer a PE, PVC, pre-decorated or flocked artificial tree?
• What height and diameter will work best in your home?
• Do you prefer a pre-lit tree or one you can light yourself?
• What type of warranty do you want for your artificial tree?

Placement and Setup

Before getting a tree, it's a good idea to do a little planning. Most people have a location in mind, but measure both the available height and width of the area before making a purchase.

Setup tips:

• When measuring the maximum height, be sure to leave some room for your tree topper
• Check for the tree diameter on the label
• Slimmer trees work great in foyers, dining rooms and as secondary trees
• Trees designed for outdoor placement should be weather- and UV-resistant for lasting use
• Many artificial trees are available with the lights pre-installed for easier setup

Artificial Tree Types

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is the most common artificial tree material. These trees feature sheets of compressed PVC made into flat, needle-like shapes and affixed onto the branches of the tree.

PE trees are the latest entry in the artificial tree category. These trees feature three-dimensional needles of moulded plastic affixed to branches that mimic the density and thickness of a real tree branch.

Pre-lit trees come with white or multi-coloured incandescent or LED lights and are great for anyone looking to save setup time. The lights are already wrapped around the branches, so there are no knots to contend with. At The Home Depot, we carry trees with continuous-on lights: If a bulb happens to burn out, the rest stay lit. Most pre-lit trees also include replacement bulbs.

Flocked trees feature a frosting designed to look as if the branches are covered with snow. These trees are available with or without lights and add an extra dash of old-world charm to your holiday décor.

Assembly

Setting up and decorating your Christmas tree is an activity the whole family can enjoy. Shaping is the process of forming the individual branches to create a full, natural look. It is accomplished by bending the wires attached to each branch to provide uniform coverage.

Shaping tips:

• Position the branches so the tips bend upwards in a slight arc for better support of hanging ornaments
• Shape branches as you go to create a more natural look
• Stagger the branches as you bend the wire to fill in all spaces and prevent holes

Lighting

If you want to put up your own lights, you'll find an array of styles and colours available. On average, you'll need about 100 incandescent lights per foot of tree for solid coverage, and a little less ratio for LED lights. Look for bulbs that have burn-out protection and no-twist sockets, so one faulty or twisted bulb won't knock out the rest of the lights on your tree.

UL Listed Lights: Underwriters Laboratory (UL) is an independent testing agency that verifies lights are safe for use under designated conditions. Look for the UL listing on all your holiday lighting purchases.

Safety and Maintenance

Always inspect light strands and electrical cords for signs of damage or wear. If there are any defects, dispose of the item and replace it with one that is in working order. Be careful not to overload electrical circuits and do not string more than the manufacturer-recommended number of light cords together. Always turn off lights when you're not at home or before you go to bed.

Maintenance tips:

• Special storage bags that keep out dust and insects are ideal for your artificial tree
• Wrap lights around a spool or piece of cardboard to prevent them from becoming tangled
• Storage boxes help keep ornaments safe and organized