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

[HM]

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?

Then you buy a string of lights and put them around the tree where needed. We had a tree that we did that to a few years. Finally got rid of it last year.

 

[peel]

National Tree is the brand of the one I'm currently considering. I can get it through Amazon for about $300, but it isn't shipped by Amazon so it isn't available for free Prime shipping. It's called a Downswept Douglas Fir, and from the pictures it looks very convincing. It has extremely good reviews too. I'm still skeptical of buying something sight unseen though, I think I'll drag DH to HD and Target tonight to look at our options based on all of your recommendations.

 

[peel]

Then you buy a string of lights and put them around the tree where needed. We had a tree that we did that to a few years. Finally got rid of it last year.

Then you see a bunch of dead bulbs though, don't you? I think I'd prefer the look of naturally strung lights anyway. I might consider getting some LED strings at some point too.

 

[peel]

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!!

I hope everything works out for you! Let us know how you make out!

 

[peel]

RainSW6, I've been checking out the Tree Classics site, with the Early Bird sale going on right now I might be buying one if I don't see what I want in-store. If you don't mind my asking, which one did you go with?

 

[clutter]

I have a National Tree that will be celebrating its 17th Christmas and is still going strong. No, its not an easy to assemble - I don't think they made them that long ago! - but putting it together is still part of our tradition. Most people visiting think that it's real. It's lovely.

 

[peel]

We checked out Lowes, Home Depot, and Target last night. We found one tree at HD we liked, but it's only available as prelit. I think we'll be pulling the trigger on a National Tree or a Tree Classics.

Thanks for the input, everyone!

 

[bettymae1121]

I love the one I got from Costco, I paid regular price for it, $200, but it's really well made and should last us decades. I don't know if they ever put their trees on BF (or other) specials but it might be worth a look if you're already a member

 

[RainSW6]

RainSW6, I've been checking out the Tree Classics site, with the Early Bird sale going on right now I might be buying one if I don't see what I want in-store. If you don't mind my asking, which one did you go with?

I'm so sorry I didn't see this until now!! I bought the Arctic White Pine. We've always had green trees in the past, but our decor has changed to be more modern, and so I think this fits better.

This is definitely not the best quality tree I've had, the one we purchased from Costco years ago was better (also was more expensive), so I was a bit disappointed in that. But my 5 year old declared that this is the "most beautiful Christmas tree ever", so we'll be keeping it since it makes him so happy.

I didn't have any problems with my order, it arrived safely and on time, and everything worked perfectly. However, a lot of the reviews I read on BBB said that returning a faulty or unwanted product is a huge problem, and that the company charges $50 for return shipping as well as a 10% restocking fee, even when the company has sent a tree that doesn't work. So buyer beware, because my trouble free experience may not be someone else's.

Hope everyone else's tree shopping goes well!!

 

[anna08]

We've had our Costco trees for years and really like them. An employee said they would take them back if their lights ever stop working so that's a big plus too! You have to spend a bit of time the first year getting the branches "fluffed out" but it's worth it! So nice not to have to vacuum needles up after the holidays!

 

[soxyes]

Just a quick fyi for those of you considering pre-lit trees...

We've had a pre-lit for few years now. Sometime in the first few years lights ---and then light strands--- burned out. My husband and I were fighting about it - especially considering the cost of that tree (Do we buy a new one? He just wanted to hide that branch in the corner ...). Then we found the Light Keeper Pro. We joke that it was a marriage saver. It looks like a large glue gun but you attach it to the burnt out piece and pull the trigger and magically it fixes the rest of the strand. (Ok, there's a scientific explanation on the package, but I'll let you read that for yourselves.) All you have to do then is replace the burnt bulb.

I think we paid about $20 for it. It's very worth the money.

 

[havaneselover]

I purchased an artificial tree from tree classics last year. I was sick of buying a real one (I'm a single woman and it's a lot of work to get an 8' tall tree in the house). Also, I had a somewhat small space in my new house for one so I needed a slim tree. Anyway, in year one it was great. Hopefully in year two I'll be just as happy : )

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

Just a quick fyi for those of you considering pre-lit trees...

We've had a pre-lit for few years now. Sometime in the first few years lights ---and then light strands--- burned out. My husband and I were fighting about it - especially considering the cost of that tree (Do we buy a new one? He just wanted to hide that branch in the corner ...). Then we found the Light Keeper Pro. We joke that it was a marriage saver. It looks like a large glue gun but you attach it to the burnt out piece and pull the trigger and magically it fixes the rest of the strand. (Ok, there's a scientific explanation on the package, but I'll let you read that for yourselves.) All you have to do then is replace the burnt bulb.

I think we paid about $20 for it. It's very worth the money.

I am so getting one of these. I am tired of fighting with my light strands!!!

 

[dunningdisney]

Target has all trees 50% off this week! Just got $30 back when I called to price match!