When considering how to choose a Christmas tree, it’s essential to pick one that suits your style and lasts for years. This guide will help you make the right choice for your home.
Let’s find your perfect tree with our Tree Finder Quiz
Height
A good rule of thumb is to have at least 30 cm between the top of your tree and the ceiling. This also accounts for a topper or any decorative stand that adds height to the tree. At Balsam Hill, we measure our trees from the stand to the topmost tip.
Under 180 cm
Ideal for compact spaces, corners, or rooms with low ceilings
180 to 205 cm
Suited for average to high ceilings and most living rooms
210 to 230 cm
Best for spacious rooms or vaulted ceilings where you want a grand focal point
240 to 455 cm
Perfect for public spaces or large entryways that call for dramatic impact
Shape
A tree’s shape gives you a general idea of how much room it takes up. Go for a narrow or slim Christmas tree for limited spaces and a wide, full-sized one if you have a spacious area. Calculate your available floor space and check it against the dimensions of our Christmas trees.
Realism
We design many Balsam Hill trees after real species, from the shape and texture of the needles to the nuances in colour. Best of all, they stay evergreen and need little to no maintenance.
Most Realistic
True to nature from tip to trunk, crafted to capture the beauty of real Christmas trees.
Realistic
Features a mix of foliage for realism and fullness, perfect for your Christmas celebrations.
Traditional
Classic Christmas tree designs that bring timeless Christmas charm and great value.
Needle Type
We categorise needle types according to the material used. PVC needles are flat and papery, while polyethylene (PE) needles offer more dimension. Look at close-up photos or check our Branch Sample Kit to learn more.
True Needle®
Injection-moulded PE needles that mimic the structure, texture, and colour variations of real trees.
Classic Needle
Soft, flat, and flexible proprietary PET needles with a more classic Christmas tree look.
Our reNEW™ Commitment
In 2025, we rolled out our reNEW commitment across all True Needle technology, transitioning to a minimum of 30% recycled or 95% plant-based polyethylene (PE).
Species
Certain species may hold special meaning because they remind you of the Christmas tree you had growing up. That’s why we use nature as inspiration and create moulds from real branch clippings to make lifelike Christmas trees.
Fir
Dense branches with flat and flexible needles sprouting individually from the stem.
Spruce
Rough branches with sharp, four-sided needle points.
Pine
Sparser branches around the trunk, with thin, clustered needles attached to the stem.
Colour
Depending on the species, real trees come in different shades of green, and the same is true for Balsam Hill trees. For instance, the Blue Spruce has blue-green needles, while the Noble Fir has a grey tint to it. Some trees are multi-toned, like the Fraser fir, with dark green tips and silver undersides.
Lights
We also offer different Christmas tree lighting options to complement the rest of your Christmas decorations.
Pre-Lit
Comes with either incandescent or LED lights, which differ in efficiency and longevity. LED lights consume less electricity and produce less heat than incandescent bulbs.
Unlit
Gives you the freedom to experiment with lights. For easier set-up, go for trees with Simple String® technology. Just plug in compatible light strings, and you have a custom pre-lit tree for next year.
Learn more about our Christmas tree light types
Set-Up
To make your set-up easier, we’ve incorporated exclusive technology in our premium Christmas trees.
Flip Trees®
No more heavy lifting: just wheel the tree base into place on a built-in rolling stand, easily flip it over, and attach the smaller treetop.
Easy Plug®
Light strings automatically connect through the trunk, so the only plug you need is the one that goes into the wall.
Pre-Fluffed®
Each tree is professionally hand-shaped before delivery. Strong memory wire branches fan out as you set up, so fluffing takes less time.
Why Choose Balsam Hill Christmas Trees?
Special Welcome Kit
Each Balsam Hill Christmas tree comes with a lightweight premium steel stand, soft cotton gloves for fluffing, and storage bag/s for when the tree is packed away. Pre-lit trees are also delivered with extra bulbs and fuses.
The Best Warranty
Enjoy a 3-year warranty on all non-clearance trees. This covers the quality of tree frame, foliage, hinges, stand, and repair or replacement of lights on pre-lighted Christmas trees. Visit our warranty page to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose a Quality Christmas Tree?
Focus on materials, such as PE needles for realism, high branch tip count for fullness, branch flexibility and sturdiness, and a comprehensive warranty for peace of mind.
What Is a Good Tip Count for a Christmas Tree?
It varies by tree height, but in general, the higher the tip count, the fuller and more realistic the tree will appear. For example, a 230 cm tree with 1,500 to 2,500 tips typically looks lush and natural.
How Much Should I Spend on a Christmas Tree?
The price of a Christmas tree can range from $150 to over $1,500, depending on size, realism, and features like lighting or storage bags. How much you should spend on a lifelike tree ultimately depends on your budget and desired quality.
Which Christmas Tree Looks Most Realistic?
Balsam Hill trees made with our True Needle technology, are widely recognised for their realism. They're designed to mimic the colour, texture, and structure of real evergreen needles, often featuring various tip variations and full silhouettes.
How Do True Needles and Classic Needles Compare in Terms of Realism?
PE (polyethylene) needles are moulded to mimic the shape, texture, and colour of real evergreen needles, making them look highly realistic up close. Since 2025, Balsam Hill’s PE True Needle tips have been made with at least 30% recycled or 95% plant-based plastic. Our proprietary PET Classic Needles, on the other hand, are flatter and cut from sheets, giving them a more traditional, classic appearance.
Which Is the Best Christmas Tree to Buy?
The best Christmas tree is the one that fits your space, style, and budget. When learning how to pick a Christmas tree, weigh height, shape, realism, needle type, and lighting together. Balsam Hill trees are known for lifelike foliage and True Needle technology, making them a dependable choice for a realistic Christmas tree that lasts for years.
What's the Best Time of Year to Buy a Christmas Tree?
Early autumn through Black Friday and Cyber Monday typically offers the widest selection and the best pricing. Popular sizes and styles can sell out as the months progress, so shopping early gives you the most options. Balsam Hill also runs regular promotions, so check back on our website from every few months to secure the tree you want.
Should I Buy a Balsam Hill Tree?
If you want a realistic Christmas tree built to last, Balsam Hill is a strong choice. Balsam Hill trees feature lifelike branch construction, premium needle materials, a 3-year warranty, and a welcome kit with a steel stand, gloves, and storage. These Christmas tree branch tips and quality details are why many shoppers consider Balsam Hill the standard for realism.
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