Putting 3 Piece Artificial Tree Back in Box

There are a lot of pros to trading in your usual real Christmas tree in favor of a faux spruce or pine. I mean, think about it—no watering, no sweeping up dropped needles, no need to figure out how to dispose of it come the New Year, and you don't have to keep paying for a new one year after year. But if you've ever shopped for one, you've likely noticed one big con: They often don't look all that realistic. (I'm not counting the fact that they're more expensive, because they also last for years when taken care of properly.)

House Beautiful

Hearst Magazines amazon.com

The good news is, that isn't always the case. Artificial Christmas trees can look just as real and detailed as a tree you went and cut down yourself, you just have to look into the material—or rather, materials—they're made with. "Artificial greenery that's made from both PVC and PE combines features from both materials to create more realistic looking decor," Lance Allen, Holiday Merchant at The Home Depot, tells House Beautiful. "With this combination, consumers receive greenery that's thicker, fuller, and more durable."

Okay, so what exactly is PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)? Or PE (Polyethylene), for that matter? Allen explains that they're both commonly used types of plastic, but they're made differently. "PVC material is compressed into thin pieces and wrapped around wire strings, creating the appearance of branches," he says. It's the material you're used to seeing when you shop for faux trees, wreaths, and garlands, though it has a "flat and unrealistic" finish. PE, which is more expensive, uses another technique. "Molds injected with PE create a 3D needle shape," Allen notes. "Grouped together, these artificial pine needles produce a thicker mass tree that mimics what you would expect to see in a real tree."

Using both types creates lusher, more realistic-looking foliage, Allen adds, explaining the the PVC serves as a good base, creating a thicker center to the tree (so it's not all scraggly), and the PE on top gives you the textured detail you'd find in the real deal.

A close-up of an artificial tree made with both PE and PVC.

The Home Depot

Another thing to note? Fake Christmas trees are available with two different types of branches (hinged and hook-in), and that affects how realistic they can look, too. "Hinged trees have permanently secured branches, while hook-in branches can be taken off," Allen says. "Hinged trees tend to be sturdier, look more realistic, and offer easier set-up."

So along with measuring your home to make sure you buy the right size tree (that includes thickness—slim trees and pencil trees are an option!) for your home, be sure to look at the material the tree you're considering is made with and how the branches are attached. And, remember that your tree will need a little coaxing to look even more natural. "Don't be afraid to maneuver the branches in different directions," Allen advises. "Real tree branches aren't perfectly placed, and by bending and changing the direction of the branches, you can create a lifelike effect on an artificial tree."

If you're ready to buy the most realistic artificial tree—or wreath, or garland—you've ever seen, check out these picks that feature the PE and PVC mix from Home Depot below, or find more on the brand's website. And if you're looking for that real Christmas tree smell, you can always add a pine-scented candle for effect (my personal recommendation: Wandering Pines by Farmhouse Fresh—the jar is cute, and the scent is everything you love about the holidays without smelling fake or overpowering.) All you need now are some ornaments.

7.5' Pre-Lit LED Pine Artificial Christmas Tree with 400 Color-Changing Lights

7.5' Pre-Lit LED Manchester Fir Slim Artificial Tree with Warm White Lights

32" Norway Battery Operated LED Artificial Christmas Wreath

12' Pre-Lit Norway Garland with Battery Operated Warm White LED Lights

---

This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

---

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Putting 3 Piece Artificial Tree Back in Box

Source: https://www.housebeautiful.com/entertaining/holidays-celebrations/a29370039/artificial-christmas-tree-buying-guide/

Share this post