These artificial Christmas trees make festive decorating a breeze

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Sure, real Christmas trees have their charm, the scent, the shimmer, the sense of tradition, but they can also be pricey, high-maintenance and leave a trail of needles long after the silly season is over. Did we mention those of us who are allergic to pine? It’s no wonder so many households are turning to artificial trees that deliver the same festive magic, year after year, with far less fuss.

Today’s options are more impressive than ever, with a huge variety of styles, shapes, and finishes to suit every home. Dreaming of a white Christmas? A snow-kissed, frosted Christmas tree brings instant winter wonder. Prefer a quick setup? Pre-lit trees take the hassle out of untangling last year’s lights. Once dressed in your favourite Xmas tree ornaments, and a few carefully wrapped Christmas presents nestled underneath, an artificial Christmas tree becomes every bit as enchanting as the real thing. And the quickest way to replicate the smell of a winter woodland? A scented Christmas candle.

To make your search a little easier, we’ve handpicked some of the best artificial and pre-lit Christmas trees available in New Zealand, and thrown in some wooden and other alternative Christmas trees too. Each of these is beautifully crafted and ready to become part of your festive traditions for many years to come.

1. The best realistic & snowy artificial Christmas trees in New Zealand

2. The best pre-lit artificial Christmas trees in New Zealand

3. The best alternative Christmas trees in New Zealand

Should I buy an artificial Christmas tree or a real Christmas tree?

Artificial Christmas tree advocators will wax lyrical that they are saving the planet by not cutting down trees. And whilst there’s an element of truth to this statement, let’s clarify. The Nature Conservancy in New York found that, taking into account the carbon pollution effects of manufacturing and transporting artificial trees (and their packaging), a person would have to keep their artificial tree for more than 20 years for it to be more beneficial to the environment than cutting down a real tree. According to their research, most households only hold onto their fake tree for an average of six years.

So, environmental touting out of the way, let’s examine the pros and cons of real and artificial Christmas trees:

1. The cost of buying a real Christmas tree vs. an artificial Christmas tree

The average real Christmas tree costs from $60-$500 to purchase, depending on size and assuming you’re buying from a Christmas tree vendor and not making a trip into the woods to cut down your own. A real Christmas tree also needs a stand, which can range from $24 to $55.

Prices for artificial Christmas trees vary depending on the quality and size of the tree. For an 8ft, real-looking tree prices can reach over $1,00. Artificial trees that sit below the $100 price point might tick boxes for height and size but vary in terms of quality. However, consider the cost against how long you plan to keep the tree and the size that suits your space. Also take note of aesthetic features like branch density, authentic colour, and built-in-lights. An investment in a tree you love can be well worth it for that holiday magic.

2. The amount of effort involved with sourcing a real Christmas tree

The process of obtaining a real Christmas tree can require a bit of effort (but many would argue that this is part of the fun); driving out to the Christmas tree farm, choosing your tree, securing it in your trailer or car (pine needles will go everywhere, but at least it will smell amazing), getting it into the house, securing it in it’s stand and then making sure it stays alive.

And then there’s disposing of your tree at the end of the holiday season, which either requires you to arrange with your Christmas tree vendor to come and pick it up, or taking it to the tip yourself. There’s a lot involved, but where is the satisfaction without a bit of effort? Some Christmas tree vendors like Misa Christmas Tree Farm even offer delivery to your door for the Auckland region.

In comparison, an artificial Christmas tree requires little effort; assembly and dismantling aren’t too difficult. All you’ve got to ensure is that you’ve got sufficient space to store it for the months of January through November.

We should also caution you that just because it’s a real Christmas tree doesn’t mean it’s in tip-top condition. Beware of unkempt, dehydrated trees from rogue roadside sellers. A freshly chopped tree placed in water within half an hour of bringing it home will help ensure its longevity.

3. Look and smell:

There’s no beating the smell of a real pine Christmas tree. Infusers, perfumes and candles can only go so far to re-create the same sweet scent. And whilst artificial trees can come in very realistic options, they can never really compare scent and look-wise.

However, when it comes to decorating the tree, there’s no denying that it’s much easier to hang decorations off the wire-enforced branches on an artificial tree than the softer branches of a real tree (having a summer Christmas means the pine branches haven’t had a chance to harden from the cold).

And the winner of the real vs. artificial Christmas tree debate is…

Sadly, and probably frustratingly, there isn’t a clear winner between real and artificial Christmas trees, although traditionalists may tell you otherwise. While each has their pros and cons, it ultimately comes down to the preference (and budget) of the buyer. But hopefully, this has helped to sway you one way or the other.

When am I meant to put my Christmas tree up and take it down according to tradition?

Traditions say it’s bad luck to put your Christmas tree up before 1 December and to take it down on 5 January, the 12th day of Christmas.

Where can I buy a Christmas tree storage bag in New Zealand?

If you want to prolong the life of your artificial Christmas tree and protect it from dust and damage, a storage bag is a good idea. Just don’t forget to check the size matches your tree before purchasing. You’ll find a selection of Christmas tree storage bags at Space General, Temple & Webster, Amazon, and Mighty Ape.

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Related articles:

• This inner-city Christmas Tree farm is Auckland’s best-kept secret
• If Christmas were a candle, it’d be these
• 4 easy ways to DIY Christmas crackers

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