Looking for a lead on a deal for a realistic looking artificial Christmas tree

[peel]

Has anyone seen any deals--current or for BF--on a good quality artificial Christmas tree? We would go that route if it looked close to real, but not one of the $50 monochrome green plastic ones they sell at most big box stores. I've seen the ones in the Sears BF ad, but those aren't up to the standard I would like. We're willing to spend more for something that will last and will "fool people", but I'm always searching for the best bargains!

 

[sksjasams]

I got our artificial tree during Black Friday 2011 at Home Depot. It is a 7.5 ft pre-lit Wesley Pine. Regular price $149...I got it for only $49! It really is a nice one too. Good reviews. It comes in white and multi. We have the multi. It may not be up to the standard you are looking for...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Acc...-Lights-WEST1400650MT1/204007664?N=5yc1vZc3s7

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Acc...-Lights-WEST1400650CL1/204007666?N=5yc1vZc3s7

Not sure they will have that special again, but the nice thing about Home Depot is you can buy it early and get a price adjustment. I bought our tree regular price on the Wed before Thanksgiving, and then brought the receipt in on Black Friday and got a price adjustment for the lower price. So you should check the BF ad for Home Depot when it comes out just to take a look anyway.

ETA: whatever artificial tree you end up going with, it will take some effort and time on your part to fluff out each branch. So don't be disappointed when you first pull it out of the box!

 

[HM]

I remember that Home Depot did have a really nice tree on special last year. We didn't get there in time to get one, but the one on display was really nice. I'd definitely be looking at going there early on Friday.

 

[peel]

Thanks guys! We always decide to look for them closer to Christmas, so the selection is never there by the time we are shopping. Maybe I should go to Home Depot in the next week to see what they have, and that way I'll know if it's worth braving the crowds on BF.

About 10 years ago I was at a tag sale that had a $700 tree that was all set up in the front yard...because they saw me looking at it they kept dropping the price lower and lower to get rid of it, but I had a tiny car and no money, so even though it was an amazing deal I still walked away. You don't know how much I have regretted that decision ever since!!!

 

[mhf]

I went to Home Depot and looked at the pre-lit ones and found the one I liked. So I went home and ordered it online with free shipping! Quick delivery too. Not sure if that was a BF free shipping thing or maybe an all Christmas trees ship free.

 

[peel]

I think I want an unlit tree...I've been reading a lot of reviews stating that the lights start burning out or whole sections stop lighting up after 2 or 3 years, and then what do you do?

 

[tina.tina]

The ones at Walmart are definitely up to the standards that ones at Walmart were 10-15 years ago. I have seen some pretty good quality ones at Sam's Club in the past but they were pretty high.

Good luck and I agree with the PP that fluffing the branches makes a big difference.

 

[mhf]

I think I want an unlit tree...I've been reading a lot of reviews stating that the lights start burning out or whole sections stop lighting up after 2 or 3 years, and then what do you do?

I don't know! THis is our 3rd year with the tree so we will see (clear lights). I like the fact that I don't have to string lights AND we don't have to "build" it. I just keep it set up in the basement and then we move the bottom half and then the top half. The branches kind of fold up a little to help maneuver up the stairs.

Look at the front pages of the Lowes and Home Depot ads this Sunday and see if they say anything about the free shipping. That's how I found out about it. I"m glad I went and looked at them first before deciding.

 

[lovesmurfs]

I think we got our new one last year through a Brads Deal (Kohl's?). Love it, and it was less than $100, delivered.

 

[emldrl]

We have been through at least three prelit trees, of various prices, and they do have lots of issues with lighting- at least, all of ours have. We got the Black Friday Home Depot tree last year, it's really nice, but my puppy messed up the lights!!! Really good quality tree. (my hubby works there!) They have lots of good quality trees, and I think at least some of them would really please you. If you are close to one, they are already out in the stores so you can check them out beforehand. If you go black Friday, get there at LEAST a half hour before they open. Good luck!!

FYI: Home Depot only gets about 25 of those sale trees for black Friday, so they go really quick!!!

 

[msmama]

I think I want an unlit tree...I've been reading a lot of reviews stating that the lights start burning out or whole sections stop lighting up after 2 or 3 years, and then what do you do?

I got an unlit tree last year but when I put it away at the end of the year I left the lights on. This year I will have a pre-lit tree.

 

[peel]

We have been through at least three prelit trees, of various prices, and they do have lots of issues with lighting- at least, all of ours have. We got the Black Friday Home Depot tree last year, it's really nice, but my puppy messed up the lights!!! Really good quality tree. (my hubby works there!) They have lots of good quality trees, and I think at least some of them would really please you. If you are close to one, they are already out in the stores so you can check them out beforehand. If you go black Friday, get there at LEAST a half hour before they open. Good luck!!

FYI: Home Depot only gets about 25 of those sale trees for black Friday, so they go really quick!!!

Great advice, thanks!

 

[peel]

I got an unlit tree last year but when I put it away at the end of the year I left the lights on. This year I will have a pre-lit tree.

 

[crispychicky]

I saw an ad last night on tv for 'Balsam Hill' artificial trees. The branches seemed pretty realistic from what they showed in the ad! We don't have one, so I have no idea what the quality is really like. No idea how they compare cost-wise to other trees either. They do have both pre-lit and unlit.

I agree with you that I wouldn't mind spending a bit more if it meant a 'fool your friends' quality tree. There sure seem to be a lot of junky ones out there.

 

[disfanforlife]

I haven't seen any ads this year. But, last year we got a nice one from LOWES.

 

[Nztara]

I found a very nice one at K-Mart. I don't normally shop there, but checked on a whim when I was looking and found a nice one for 50 percent off.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I saw an ad last night on tv for 'Balsam Hill' artificial trees. The branches seemed pretty realistic from what they showed in the ad! We don't have one, so I have no idea what the quality is really like. No idea how they compare cost-wise to other trees either. They do have both pre-lit and unlit.

I agree with you that I wouldn't mind spending a bit more if it meant a 'fool your friends' quality tree. There sure seem to be a lot of junky ones out there.

This is where my coworker got her's. She spent $1000.00 for a tree that looks real.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

When did trees get so expensive? We were at a craft store today and I ran across a flocked tree. Very pretty. Really don't need a tree, but was seriously considering it. That is until I saw the price...$1100!

 

[StephMK]

I don't know what style you like but Target has all trees on sale this week. We finally broke down and bought a tree because ours is literally falling apart. I combined the sale with my Target debit (5%) and pharmacy rewards (5%).

 

[RainSW6]

I ordered our new tree from Tree Classics, so my fingers are crossed they're good. I've also heard nice things about Balsam Hill, and checked them out. Their trees look beautiful, and they have a wide range of prices depending on size/style. I ended up choosing to go with Tree Classics instead because they seemed to have a similar type of product for slightly less.

ETA: I just read on a review board that Tree Classics was actually bought out by Balsam Hill under another company name a few years ago, and Balsam Hill has some really awful reviews regarding customer service. I already ordered mine, so ugh, but thought I'd pass that information along in case it's helpful. Hopefully my experience with them goes smoothly!!