Hate cleaning pine needles? These artificial Christmas trees are for you

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You can use artificial Christmas trees for years, according to experts, so it's important to choose a high-quality option and store it properly. Getty ImagesReal Christmas trees fill the air with fresh pine scents and, depending on where you shop, buying them often supports local tree farms. They shed a lot, though, creating a mess that’s not fun to clean after the holiday season. If you’re looking to avoid the hassle of buying and maintaining a new one every year, an artificial Christmas tree may be the answer. And since buying one is a long-term investment, it’s important to purchase one you love that also works in your space.

For those who don’t want to deal with a real tree, I talked to experts about how to shop for a quality artificial Christmas tree and rounded up some of the best options based on their advice. I also asked experts about the environmental impact of Christmas trees, and what those with allergies and pets specifically should be aware of before buying one.

Best pre-lit spruce-style treeNational Tree Company 7-ft. Pre-Lit North Valley Spruce Christmas Tree$149.77$200.99AmazonLearn moreBest unlit treeBest Choice Products Premium Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree$109.99$119.99AmazonLearn moreMost unique treeBalsam Hill Frosted Alpine Balsam Fir Tree$449.00$449.00Balsam HillLearn moreBest tabletop treeGoplus 2-ft. Tabletop Mini Christmas Tree$undefined$24.99AmazonLearn moreSee 1 MoreRelatedselectedselectedThe 39+ best Advent calendars on Amazon, from Lego, Godiva, Squishmallows and moreWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.

Below, I rounded up highly-rated artificial Christmas trees based on expert guidance. I made sure to include options across price points, sizes and styles, and separated unlit and pre-lit options. To help you determine how full each tree is, we note the trees’ tip count (meaning branch tips) if provided by the brand. The higher the tip count, the fuller the tree will look. I also point out if the tree comes in one, display-ready piece (pre-assembled) or not. All of the options below have at least a 4-star average rating from 100 reviews or more on one of the retailer websites.

$69.99$74.99AmazonNow 7% offWhat to knowPlug-in or battery operated?: plug-in | Lighting effects: steady | Stand included?: yes | Pre-assembled?: no | Light bulbs: 200-1,300 | Heights: 4.5 feet (763 tips), 6 feet (798 tips), 7 ½ feet (1,346 tips), 9 (2,028 tips), 12 (4,188 tips) and 15 feet (5,476 tips)What we likeGood for small spacesEasy setupSomething to noteBest for small homesThis tree, available in a space-conscious size, and comes recommended by NBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin. “It gives me plenty of room to spread out my ornaments , but isn’t so big that it’s intimidating to put together or take apart,” she says. “It’s quite sturdy, too. I love that it comes pre-lit, which prevents me from having to wrestle with string lights. I can’t wait to set it up again this year.”

$149.77$200.99AmazonNow 25% offWhat to knowPlug-in or battery operated?: plug in | Lighting effects: steady | Stand included?: yes | Pre-assembled?: no | Light bulbs: n/a | Height: 7 ½ feet (1,346 tips)What we likeFull branchesSomething to noteMay be too tall for someThe North Valley Spruce tree from National Tree Company stands over 7 feet tall, making it perfect for those who have high ceilings and want to fill out their living room with a festive tree. It has a 52-inch base diameter, so it’s less likely to wobble, even as you decorate it. The branches, which resemble those of traditional spruce trees, are easy to fluff outward for a full look, but they also fold back inward for quick storage.

$449.00Balsam HillWhat to knowPlug-in or battery operated?: plug-in | Lighting effects: steady | Stand included?: yes | Pre-assembled?: no | Light bulbs: 200 - 1,300 | Heights: 4 ½ feet (448 tips), 6 ½ feet (1,088 tips), 7 ½ feet (1,368 tips), 9 feet (2,592 tips), 10 feet (3,544 tips) and 12 feet (5,986 tips)What we likeLightweightEasy setupSomething to noteLess full lookIf you’re looking for a slim option that resembles an alpine fir tree, this pick from Balsam Hill is designed with tight spaces in mind, according to the brand. It’s pre-lit with LED fairy lights and available in six heights. Sparse by design, this balsam-style tree’s faux trunk is visible through the branches and the tree’s foliage is frosted to mimic snow. Plus, it comes with extra bulbs.

3,163 Amazon Reviews$35.99$39.99AmazonNow 10% offWhat to knowPlug in or battery operated? : battery operated | Lighting effects: steady | Stand included?: yes | Pre-assembled?: yes | Light bulbs: 35 | Height: 2 feetWhat we likeNo setup requiredGood for dining tablesSomething to noteNothing to note at this timeThis tiny but festive pre-lit tree also comes recommended by Malin, who typically displays it on her dining table or coffee table. “The rainbow lights add color, so I usually don’t decorate this tree other than adding a little topper,” she says. “It doesn’t take up much room in my home and is very easy to store,” she says. It has 71 branch tips and 35 multicolor lights, plus a decorated red and gold stand.

$299.00AmazonWhat to knowPlug in or battery operated?: plug in | Lighting effects: combo, waves, sequential, slow-glow, flashing, fade, twinkle, and steady | Stand included?: yes | Pre-assembled?: no | Light bulbs: 400 - 700 | Heights: 6 ½ feet (786 tips), 7 ½ feet (1,116 tips) and 9 feet (1486 tips)What we likePre-flockedComes with pine conesSomething to noteLess full lookThis eclectic pre-lit Christmas tree comes studded with mini pine cones on the end of each branch. It’s also pre-flocked, so it looks lightly dusted with snow for a more authentic look. Depending on which size you get, the tree has up to 700 warm white light bulbs to compliment your adornments.

15,305 Amazon Reviews$109.99$119.99AmazonNow 8% offWhat to knowStand included?: yes | Pre-assembled?: no | Heights: 6 feet (798 tips), 7 ½ feet (1,346 tips) and 9 feet (2,028 tips)What we likeFull lookSturdy baseThree-step setupSomething to noteMay be large for some homesAvailable in three models, this spruce-like tree has a built-in foldable base and a full shape. With a 4.6-star average rating from over 15,000 shoppers on Amazon, this tree can handle a range of ornaments and different light styles, such as fairy or vintage.

$24.99AmazonWhat to knowStand included? : yes | Pre-assembled?: yes | Heights: 2 feet (67 tips)What we likeStudy baseCustomizableSomething to noteBest for small spacesAvailable in either 2- or 3-foot options, this mini tree can be a festive centerpiece for dining or coffee tables, or you could simply place it on your dresser or mantle next to stockings. You can also decorate it with mini ornaments or a short string of battery-operated fairy lights. It also has a durable round cement base wrapped in a festive cloth, and 67 branch tips.

$479.00$999.00Balsam HillNow 52% offWhat to knowStand included? : yes | Pre-assembled?: no | Heights: : 4 ½ feet (886 tips), 5 ½ feet (1,288 tips), 6 ½ feet (2,144 tips), 7 ½ feet (2,960 tips), 9 feet (4,692 tips)What we likeTraditional shapeFull lookSomething to notePriceyThis eye-catching, realistic-looking tree is available in several sizes and lighting styles, including unlit. Thanks to its full silhouette, it’s an ideal foundation for large ornaments, garland, tinsels, festive steamers and a topper of your choice.

Below are highly rated accessories to help with decorating your artificial Christmas tree, and storing it and your ornaments once the holiday season ends.

$17.09$18.99AmazonNow 10% offWhat to knowWhat we likeWaterproofAvailable in multiple sizesHas a labelSomething to noteBest for full-size treesThis storage bag is great for keeping your artificial Christmas tree in great shape throughout the rest of the year when you’re not using it. It has a small window on the side for you to put a label and it comes with large handles. It fits unassembled trees up to 9 feet tall and is available in colors like red, green and gray. It’s also made from a water-resistant, woven fabric.

$16.99AmazonThis storage bin is ideal for storing Christmas ornaments of different sizes. It includes four cardboard dividers that you stack on top of one another to store the ornaments in the bin. The bin itself has handles on the sides for easy transporting and a zippered lid on top. It also has a small window on the side to put a label.

Since Christmas trees become part of your home decor for weeks (or months, depending on when you put yours up), purchasing one is largely about your personal style preferences. You’ll want to consider the following factors:

You can use an artificial tree for an average of ten years, but most can last up to twenty years if cared for properly, says Jami Warner, executive director of the American Christmas Tree Association.

To store your tree, Warner recommends keeping it in a box or bag to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating, and to protect the branches and foliage. It’s also important to store your tree in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight — strong sunlight could lead to discoloration over time. Additionally, Warner says storing your tree with a container of baking soda or unused coffee grounds, which can absorb odors, may keep it smelling fresh.

For those who suffer from certain allergies, bringing a live Christmas tree into the home during the holiday season can cause irritation, says Dr. Nina Shapiro, a pediatric ear, nose and throat specialist at Westside Head and Neck in California. Does this mean that artificial trees are better for those with allergies? Not necessarily: You can have the same reaction to an artificial tree, according to Shapiro.

“Real or artificial, the allergic reaction may be due to contaminants such as mold, ragweed pollen and dust rather than the tree itself,” says Shapiro. And for artificial trees: “the longer the tree stays in the home, the more likely dust and mold develops, making people more susceptible to allergies,” she says.

To help reduce allergic reactions, Shapiro recommends wiping down your tree — real or artificial — with a wet cloth or using a towel and a spray bottle filled with water before setting it up. The same goes for ornaments and lights, as well as other decorations you place around your home.

If you can, clean your tree and other decorations outside your home, which helps prevent dust and other allergens from releasing inside. And when it’s time to store your artificial tree, consider investing in a storage bag with a tightly zipped seal to prevent moisture and dust from getting in.

Aluminum artificial Christmas trees add a retro look to your home, which explains why they’re making a bit of a comeback, according to Warner. That said, it’s important to decorate aluminum Christmas trees carefully since they are flammable. This means you should avoid using traditional lights to embellish it. “Aluminum can conduct electricity really well but can be a bit dangerous, as it can cause voltage spikes or even fire hazards because the metal branches could short circuit the lights,” says Warner. “But don’t despair as there are options such as LED lights or, for a funky, retro vibe, a color wheel that shines colors on the tree without any direct contact. And battery-operated lights are another safe bet.”

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Cory Fernandez is a commerce editor at NBC Selected, where he writes about home and kitchen-related topics, including holiday decor. He updated this story with new information regarding artificial Christmas trees and added new editor-recommended products for your consideration.

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Cory FernandezCory Fernandez is a commerce editor for NBC Selected, and an authority on all things food, cooking, kitchen, home, and general lifestyle.