Here’s Your Guide To Buying Artificial Christmas Trees
Did you know there are different Christmas tree styles? Here is the complete RL guide to all the types and standard sizes.
Christmas is coming up, and if you haven’t decorated your home yet, now is the time to do so before the busiest month of December. If you’re pressed for time, there is one Christmas décor you shouldn’t forget—it’s the Christmas tree, the symbol of the “tree of life” for Christians, and a decoration that is most awaited by children.
But before you go out to buy just any tree, it would be helpful to identify what types of artificial trees are out there. The tree itself should go well with the style of your home and even the theme of your décor. You can identify each tree by how their leaves or sprigs look like. Here’s a handy guide:
Vinyl Spruce
This is one of the most affordable type of tree, and is available almost anywhere. It’s made out of vinyl strips gathered on wire. This type of tree can be folded up and stored away easily.
Best for: Those on a budget! This also holds up well to lots of decorations.
Plastic Spruce
The “needles” are made out of tiny plastic vinyl strips, this Christmas tree has no plant reference (it is just shaped like a classic pine tree), and like the vinyl spruce, it can be folded up and stored.
Best for: Small homes, because this tree also comes in two-foot or smaller, tabletop sizes.
Canadian Pine
This tree has long needles in each cluster, mimicking the actual Canadian Pine, and often comes with faux (or real) pinecones. The shade of green lightens towards the tip of the needles.
Best for: Neutral-toned or minimal décor. The tree looks lovely as is. Try this type of tree with capiz-and-gold ornaments.
Woodland
This closely resembles the traditional fresh Christmas tree. The pine needles appear in clusters per branch.
Best for: Traditional-style, red-white-green ornaments.
Cypress
Flat, thick leaves characterize the Cypress Christmas tree. It looks very realistic.
Best for: Outdoor (but covered) areas, as the leaves are totally made of plastic.
Downswept
Its name aptly describes the natural form of its spruce needles. This tree is tall and narrow—perfect for high ceilings.
Best for: Large homes and rooms, as this type of tree is best appreciated in a majestic, taller-than-six-feet size.
Standard Tree Heights
How to choose the size of your tree: There should be at least six inches of space between the top of your tree to your ceiling.
- 7 feet (anything taller is usually custom)
- 6 feet
- 5 feet
- 4 feet
- Below 4 feet to 2 feet: these are considered tabletop trees
Where to buy:
At all SM Malls
At major SM Malls
- Ace Hardware
Go to their website for branches
- Designer Blooms
At major SM Malls; Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City; or visit their website to see other branches
This article “New Leaf – 101: Christmas Trees” originally appeared in the December 2004 issue of Real Living magazine. Info has been updated by editors.
