The Best Artificial Christmas Trees for Easy Holiday Decorating

With so many options on the market when buying an artificial Christmas tree, finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming. Worry no more, we have your guide to choosing the best artificial tree for your home. Plus, we’ve added our honest review of King of Christmas pre-lit trees; could it be the best faux tree for easy holiday decorating? Keep reading and find out!

For more easy Christmas decorating ideas, check out these DIY paperbag snowflakes with lots of photos of our artificial flocked Christmas tree, as well as these 25 stylish Christmas tree skirts and collars that pair perfectly with your tree.

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but let’s be honest—it can also be one of the busiest! Between shopping, cooking, and attending events, decorating your home should be an easy and enjoyable task, not one more thing to stress over. That’s where choosing the right Christmas tree comes in.

If you’re looking for a beautiful tree that requires minimal fuss but still looks stunning, a faux Christmas tree might be the perfect option. With so many on the market, it can be hard to know where to start, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. We’ve found the best faux Christmas tree that will make your holiday decorating a breeze.

Benefits of an Artificial Christmas Tree

First things first, why go faux? There are numerous benefits to choosing an artificial tree over a real one. For starters, it’s a one-time investment that you can use year after year. Unlike a real tree, which you’ll have to purchase fresh each December, a quality faux tree can last for many holiday seasons to come. And let’s not forget about the maintenance factor. No more worrying about pine needles littering the floor or remembering to water it daily—an artificial tree is mess-free and worry-free!

An artificial tree is also a more eco-friendly option for those looking to minimize waste. While real trees are biodegradable, they require transport, pesticides, and other resources to grow and ship. A faux tree, especially if you care for it properly, can be used for years without needing replacement.

If allergies are a concern in your household, an artificial tree is also a great way to avoid common allergens like mold or pollen that can cling to real trees. For families with young children or pets, a faux tree offers the added benefit of being less likely to cause any mess or accidents, making your home a safer place for everyone.

Factors to Consider Before Buying

Before you dive into purchasing your faux tree, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure it fits your home and needs.

• Size: Measure the height of your ceilings and take note of how much space you want the tree to occupy. Faux Christmas trees come in a variety of sizes, ranging from tabletop options to towering trees that reach 12 feet or more. Ideally, your tree should leave at least 6 inches of space between the top and your ceiling (don’t forget to account for the tree topper!).
• Shape: Faux trees come in various shapes, from traditional full-bodied trees to slim and pencil-style trees. If you have limited space, a slim tree might be the perfect choice for you—it takes up less floor space without sacrificing height.
• Material: Most artificial trees are made from PVC or PE materials. PVC trees are usually less expensive but may look less realistic up close. PE trees tend to have a more natural appearance, as the branches are molded to resemble real tree needles. The highest-quality trees often feature a combination of both materials, with PE branches on the outer layers and PVC further in for fullness.
• Flocked or Unflocked: This is a personal choice. Flocked trees give the appearance of branches frosted with snow. The benefit is they are uniquely beautiful, creating a whimsical feeling. The downside is they can shed, so if you go with flocked you’ll want a high quality tree to avoid a mess.
• Price: As with most things, you get what you pay for. Investing in a higher-quality faux tree will ensure durability and a more realistic appearance. If you choose to go with higher-end trees such as King of Christmas, be sure to watch for discounts and sales (but don’t wait too long, or the most popular options may sell out.)

Because our tree is in the entryway, we chose a slim version to allow plenty of space for people to walk by without bumping into branches or ornaments.

Pre-Lit or Unlit?

One of the most significant decisions you’ll need to make when selecting an artificial Christmas tree is whether to go for a pre-lit or unlit version. Both options have their pros and cons.

• Pre-lit Trees: These come with lights already strung onto the branches, saving you time and effort when it comes to decorating. If you dread the process of untangling lights every year, a pre-lit tree is your best friend. The only downside? If a section of lights burns out, replacing them can be a hassle, though many high-quality pre-lit trees now come with “stay-lit” technology that keeps the remaining lights glowing if one bulb goes out.
• Unlit Trees: On the other hand, an unlit tree allows you the freedom to choose your own lights and switch up your decor each year. If you like to change the color scheme or lighting style of your tree annually, an unlit option gives you the flexibility to do so.

Our Top Pick: King of Christmas Slim King Fraser Fir

After reviewing countless artificial trees, our top pick is the King of Christmas Slim King Fraser Fir with Lights. This tree offers everything you could want in a faux tree: it’s beautifully realistic, easy to set up, and comes pre-lit with clear or warm LED lights. The slim profile makes it ideal for smaller spaces or for those who prefer a minimalist look without sacrificing height or elegance.

Description and Features

The King of Christmas Slim King Fraser Fir with Lights stands out for its combination of high-end features at a reasonable price point. This tree comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 6 to 9 feet tall, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your home.

The branches have a lifelike appearance and a full, lush look. Plus, with the pre-lit option, you’ll enjoy warm white lights that add a magical glow to your space. It comes with a remote control so you can change the lights from warm white to multicolored, and various modes as well.

What really sets the Slim King Fraser Fir apart, however, is its durable construction and ease of use. The tree is designed with hinged branches that fold down for easy assembly and storage. No more struggling with branches that need to be individually attached—this tree practically assembles itself!

King of Christmas artificial trees come with tags so you know which section goes where.

Realistic Appearance

Let’s talk realism. One of the main reasons we love the King of Christmas Slim King Pine is how closely it resembles the real thing. The PE branches on the outer layer mimic the look of real pine needles, creating a natural, organic appearance that’s difficult to distinguish from a freshly-cut tree.

The tree also features a mix of branch lengths and textures, giving it a more natural shape. It’s not overly symmetrical, which is a key factor when aiming for a lifelike look. The realistic detail will have your holiday guests fooled into thinking it’s the real deal!

Check out this close-up of our King of Christmas artificial tree; there’s realistic brown coloring on some of the needles for a real life appearance.

Tips for Easy Setup and Storage

Setting up your artificial tree should be simple and stress-free. When it comes to the King of Christmas Slim King Pine, the process couldn’t be easier. Thanks to the hinged branches, it unfolds in sections, saving you from spending hours fluffing and shaping each limb.

This tree comes with a storage bag, remote, and gloves for easy assembly and storage.

To ensure your tree stays looking great for years, follow these tips for easy setup and storage:

1. Place the base and add in the lettered sections. If you have a King of Christmas pre-lit tree, the lights connect simply by attaching each section on the pole. Also, the sections have letters so you know exactly which one goes where.
2. Fluff the branches: Once the tree is assembled, take time to fluff the branches. This ensures it looks full and natural. My King of Christmas tree came with gloves to make this easy and comfortable.
3. Store properly: Invest in a good storage bag for your tree. It’s tempting to throw it back in the box, but a sturdy storage bag will protect it from dust and damage during the off-season.

Make sure you place your tree near an outlet for easy access to power. We had an electrician install this outlet specifically for our tree and it was worth every penny so we don’t have to hide extension cords.

Check out these Christmas storage and organization ideas, including how to better store seasonal decorations, to protect both your investment and sentimental Christmas decorations.

Tips for Decorating Your Artificial Tree

When it comes to decorating, artificial trees are just as versatile as the real deal. Here are a few tips to help make your faux tree shine:

• Start with the lights: Even if your tree is pre-lit, you can add more strands of lights to boost the brightness.
• Layer ornaments: Hang larger ornaments deeper in the branches and smaller ones toward the tips for depth and dimension.
• Add ribbon or garland: A beautifully cascading ribbon or garland can give your tree that polished, professional look. I like to use wide wired ribbon, cut in sections, for easy styling.
• Top it off: Finish with a tree topper that suits your style, whether it’s a classic star, angel, or something more modern. Or, make one yourself– this DIY wooden star is always a hit!

The Best Faux Trees for Easy Holiday Decorating

In the end, the King of Christmas Slim King Fraser Fir checks all the boxes. It’s easy to set up, has a stunningly realistic appearance, and offers the convenience of pre-lit branches. Whether you’re short on space or simply prefer the look of a slender tree, this is the best faux Christmas tree for easy holiday decorating.

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