Christmas Tree Types
Whether you're looking for fresh cut or faux, find your perfect tree this holiday season with our guide.
Decorating a Christmas tree is one of the highlights of the holiday season, but in order to do that, you have to find the perfect tree first. There are many Christmas tree types to choose from, but don’t let that put a damper on your holiday spirit. We’ve covered all you need to know about how to buy a Christmas tree, from Christmas tree dimensions to the types of Christmas trees and their advantages. Whether you’re buying a real Christmas tree or an artificial one, use this guide as a reference.
Christmas Tree Types
The two main types of Christmas tree are artificial and real. Below is a brief overview of each of those types of Christmas trees and their advantages and disadvantages.
Artificial
Faux Christmas trees, unlike live Christmas trees, can last years if kept in good condition. They also require much less upkeep than living Christmas trees; they don’t need to be watered or trimmed, nor do they leave needles and sap all over your home. They can be assembled without much strain and then stored back in their packaging until the next year’s holiday season comes around. Many artificial trees come pre-lit, so you can save yourself the hassle of stringing lights on the tree yourself. They’re also insect- and flame-resistant.
If you are shopping for a faux Christmas tree, there are two specific materials to choose from: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PE (polyethylene). Take a peek at the pros and cons of each.
PVC: This material is hard-pressed into thin pieces and then cut into slim, rectangular needle-like strips. Then, the strands are twisted with wire to outline tree branches. This is a popular, budget-friendly option, but it can often look unrealistic up close due to the flat nature of the needles.
PE: These trees are constructed with an injected molded plastic coating. Unlike flat PVC tree branches, PE features the thickness and mass of a real tree branch, for a three-dimensional, realistic look. PE is the more expensive option.
Real
Choosing a Christmas tree at a Christmas tree farm is a time-honored tradition that the whole family can enjoy. Artificial trees can’t match the authentic smell and feel of a real tree, nor do they clean and oxygenate the air around them. Real Christmas trees are heavy though, and their transportation and mounting may be tricky if you live in a smaller home with narrow doorways or an apartment up some stairs.
When choosing the perfect type of real Christmas tree, it’s important to consider the different Christmas tree varieties.
Fir: Fir trees are just one of more than 45 species of evergreen trees. They often give off a strong scent, making them ideal for those who love the smell of a real Christmas tree. Firs are generally tall and narrow and can range in tree color, with some species having a blue tint to the needles while others have a yellow tint. The needles on a fir tend to bend without breaking, making them the best live Christmas tree for decorations.
Pine: When you think of a classic Christmas tree, a pine tree often comes to mind. It’s the best live Christmas tree due to its classic shape and pine-green color. Needles on a pine often grow in clusters of two, three, or five. They are soft to the touch and can grow long, making them a go-to option when decorating a tree with ornaments.
Spruce: Spruce Christmas trees grow in a cone-like form, making them fantastic for decorating! When grown in the wild, spruces often grow between 60' and 200' tall. The tree needles are always attached to the branch individually on spruce trees, making them easy to identify; however, their needles can also break easily. Spruce trees have a frosted look to them, giving your Christmas tree a unique look for the holiday season.
Christmas Tree Size Guide
Christmas Tree Height
Christmas trees are available in a wide range of heights, from as low as 1' to more than 14' Before shopping for a Christmas tree, measure the space you have available as well as doorways and hallways that lead to the room. This will ensure you pick a tree that can fit in your home. You'll want to leave at least 1’ between the ceiling and the top of your tree for your tree topper and some breathing room. We highlighted standard Christmas tree height options below.
Mini: These petite Christmas trees are more likely to be used as accent pieces and are optimal if your space is limited. Mini Christmas trees are usually between 1' and 2' tall.
Small: At between 2' – 4' tall, small Christmas trees are excellent at bringing the holiday spirit into smaller, non-central rooms. Where a larger tree would best suit a living room or family room, a small Christmas tree looks best in an entryway, a bedroom, or a dorm room.
Medium: Christmas trees that fall within the medium height range of 4' – 8' tall are a safe bet for most homes. At the shorter end, medium Christmas trees are modest, but still have ample room for decorating. Taller medium trees are classic and complement both large and small spaces with ease without feeling overwhelming.
Large: The breathtaking 8' and taller Christmas trees are best suited for rooms with tall or vaulted ceilings. These grand trees have ample space for plenty of ornaments and garlands, so they’re great for the avid decorator. These trees are the heaviest and tend to be more expensive than the others, especially when you’re buying a real Christmas tree.
Christmas Tree Width
The size of your room, the amount of available floor space, and your personal preference should dictate which of the three popular Christmas tree widths to choose. Having a sense of what you want is helpful when searching for faux as well as real options.
Regular (or Full): This tree features that iconic cone shape that isn't too full or too slim. This width complements almost any style and size of space. For those looking to capture the realness of nature in a faux, this is a great choice.
Extra-Full: Extra-full Christmas trees have wider bases and are more populated with branches, which makes them appear fuller. They are available in a multitude of heights, all of which require a bit more floor space than less-full trees of the same size. Consider stocking up on extra ornaments to fill out the body of the tree.
Slender: Available in a wide range of heights, a narrow, slender Christmas tree is a versatile option that requires fewer ornaments and less square footage. Create a mini holiday forest by grouping three or more slender trees of varied heights or place a tall slender tree in a narrow space.
Christmas Tree Styles
From a traditional tapered tree to a quirky upside-down option, there are a handful of Christmas tree styles to explore. Here are the most popular types to help narrow down your choices.
Traditional: This style is the true classic that matches any holiday decor. It is a blank canvas upon which you can express your holiday cheer.
Pre-Lit: A hassle-free option, pre-lit Christmas trees won’t have you balancing on a ladder to wrap string lights around your treetop. Lights come attached, so you do not have to worry about hanging or untangling. You can choose from white, yellow, and colored lights.
Flocked: This standout Christmas tree style is frosted with artificial snow for a winter wonderland feel that complements more sophisticated holiday decor.
Colored: A colored Christmas tree is for a modern enthusiast with quirky style and has become a popular way to achieve an unexpected holiday look. White Christmas trees have become wildly popular, though other bolder colors like bright pink and blue are available as well.
Half & Corner: Interested in a tree that will fit perfectly against a wall or in a corner without bunching up? Go with a half- or corner-shaped tree that has full branches only where it needs them.
Spiral: Add intrigue to your holiday decor with a spiral-shaped Christmas tree – not only are they elegant and stylish, but they are narrow and won't take up too much space in your home.
Upside-Down: An upside-down tree is a unique look that will make a big visual statement. These trees showcase ornaments like no other. A centuries-old tradition in Eastern Europe, most upside-down trees are used in smaller homes because the narrow base provides extra floor space.
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