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October 27, 2023

As the Christmas season rapidly approaches, consumers have more choices than ever for selecting the perfect Christmas Tree. Starting with tree type, size (height, width), branch type, tree color, then layering on different decorating aesthetics and styles, the decision can quickly become overwhelming.

One of the most important considerations when picking out your Christmas tree is the area it will occupy. You’ll want at least 6” of clearance between the top of a tree and your ceiling, including a tree topper and stand. For example, if you have an 8’ ceiling and a 6” tree topper, you’d be looking for a 7.5’ tall tree. Consider this guide when selecting a tree…

Tabletop Tree – for smaller rooms or on a table.
4-5.5’ Tall – for lower ceiling, top-floor/attic rooms.
6-6.5’ Tall – for using taller tree toppers with 8’ ceilings.
7-7.5’ Tall – The standard tree for 8’-ceiling homes and 6”-high tree toppers.
8-8.5’ Tall – for vaulted or tray ceilings.
9-9.5’ Tall – for taller vaulted or tray ceilings
12’ and up – for grand, open interiors where height poses no impediment.

You’ll also want to consider the tree width. Choose a slim profile when you need something narrow and compact, but striking when placed in a tight space or corner. Use a medium width for smaller rooms and condos, and use a full width if horizontal space is not a concern.

Once you’ve established the size of your Christmas tree, it’s time to pick out a style that suits your tastes. Our trees authentically reproduce the needles and colors of the Noble Fir (Abies procera), Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri), and Concolor Fir (Abies concolor) with three-dimensional, injection-molded polyurethane (PE) branch tips. Fullness toward the interior of the tree at the trunk is accomplished with subtly intermixed PVC branches.

The combination of PVC and PE branches and tips results in a tree’s profile, also called its index. This is the degree to which branches protrude from the interior of the tree. A tree with a high index has a larger gap between each branch while a tree with a lower index has branches that are clustered more tightly together. Higher index trees can accommodate a greater number of ornaments; however, lower index trees can support heavier ornaments.

Many of our customers will select a high-index tree for displaying lots of ornaments, such as our Noble or Fraser fir and a second, lower-index tree, such as our Douglas or Concolor varieties for a less decorated, natural look.

The last major area of choice when it comes to your tree is the lighting. One of the major benefits of a modern artificial tree is you don’t have to string lights on it yourself. At Hammacher we offer four major light varieties – Incandescent, LED, Fiber Optic Tips, and Light Show, all of which come in white or multicolored lights. Please see the info panes below for more information about our lights and the major differences between them.