The ultimate Christmas tree guide: Find your style — real or faux

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The holidays are here! One of my favorite traditions is decorating the tree and, while I’ll admit that getting a real tree can feel special, I’m making the switch to artificial this year. They’re more cost effective, they don’t need water or shed those pesky needles and they're environmentally friendly without the fire hazard. Here’s everything you need to know!

In the world of real Christmas trees there are tons of different types, heights, looks and price points. The good news? You can achieve the same natural look with artificial options.

Artificial Douglas Fir Christmas Tree

Pre-lit options take a step out of your holiday prep. (Photo: Amazon)
Pre-lit options take a step out of your holiday prep. (Photo: Amazon)

One of the most popular types of trees are firs. Look for those labeled noble fir, Fraser fir, Balsam fir or Douglas fir. They range from yellow-green to dark green and are full and fluffy with short, flat needles that have a whitish underside. This artificial Douglas fir from Amazon comes pre-lit, is available in a whopping seven different sizes and features hinge branches which make the tree super easy to assemble.

$282 $562 at Amazon

Artificial Carolina Pine Christmas Tree

This option comes complete with pinecones for an authentic touch. (Photo: Amazon)
This option comes complete with pinecones for an authentic touch. (Photo: Amazon)

Another popular option is the pine. Look for the names white pine, scotch pine, Virginia pine or Carolina pine. Ranging in color from bright to dark green, the needles grow in bunches of two and are long and pointy. This artificial Carolina pine comes pre-lit in a variety of sizes, features a hinge design and gorgeous pine cones for a truly authentic feel.

$288 $369 at Amazon

Artificial Spruce Christmas Tree

Hinged branches and a foldable base will make storage a snap. (Photo: Amazon)
Hinged branches and a foldable base will make storage a snap. (Photo: Amazon)

The spruce is another popular type of tree people love. Look for blue or Colorado spruce, white spruce or Norway spruce. These trees are dense and the needles tend to curve upwards and are beloved for their waxy silver-blue color. This artificial spruce is one of the most popular on Amazon with over 10 thousand reviews! It comes in three sizes and features a hinge design and foldable base that will make it easy to store come January.

$130 at Amazon

White Flocked Pine Christmas Tree

Get the look of a fresh dusting of snow...without the mess. (Photo: Walmart)
Get the look of a fresh dusting of snow...without the mess. (Photo: Walmart)

If you’re looking for an extra special wintry touch, try a flocked tree. These feature an added material that makes the branches look like they’re dusted with snow. This option from Walmart comes in three different sizes.

$110 $190 at Walmart

Spice up the holiday with a trendy tree

A colored tree can create a really unexpected and fun feel. (Photo: Amazon)
A colored tree can create a really unexpected and fun feel. (Photo: Amazon)

Another popular trend this year? Colored trees! You can really add an element of fun with unique colors like pink, red and even black which gives major Tim Burton vibes. Add another layer of fun by creating different themes with your décor. It's so creative and a super fun activity for the whole family.

Scentsicles Scented Christmas Ornaments

Outfit your faux fir with fragrance sticks that make it smell like the real thing. (Photo: Amazon)
Outfit your faux fir with fragrance sticks that make it smell like the real thing. (Photo: Amazon)

My personal pro tip for giving that extra special touch to an artificial tree? Add these pine-scented ornament sticks throughout the tree to get that magical Christmas smell.

$7 $8 at Amazon

Video produced by Kat Vasquez.

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