I have had 3 different ones. My husband is very allergic to real. They are much easier to put up than they used to be. My latest and probably my favorite is a skinny tree about 5' tall, comes in 2 parts (top and bottom) and all the branches stay on and are hinged/fold up. It was not pre-lit. I just thought what if lights go out and need replacing. I never take the lights off or take it apart. I just wrap it tightly in a sheet and store it in a storage area, I do take off ornaments.

I do wish it was a slightly lighter green (it is very dark green) and maybe wasn't so full so ornaments would have more room to hang. But otherwise like this tree the best so far.

We have 2 artificial trees, both from National Tree Company. Neither one is pre-lit. The larger one is about 7' tall and is pretty wide. It assembles is layers with individual branches that hook onto a center pole. I like this one because I put the lights on as we assemble it. This way there are lights all the way into the middle of the tree. The other is similar to izzie's favorite. It's a slim tree that stands about 6' tall. There are 3 sections with hinged branches. It sets up in minutes and even tho it's not pre-lit, because it's slim, it's easy to add the lights (and of course, doesn't take nearly as many as the larger tree we have).

Good luck with your decision.

We went to artificial many years ago because 1) The fire hazzard of a real tree is BAD, 2) You can leave the artificial tree up longer, and 3) my son and I became allergic to real trees.

We're on our third tree only because I wanted a nice one. Mine is pre-lit but it has a lot of multi-colored lights that also goes in the center of the tree.

Below is the link to the tree I bought, but I bought it after Christmas and paid less than half of the original price for it. I just saw it's sold out.

I do have to say though, it's THE prettiest and most Christmasy tree I've ever seen. lol. The decoration possibilities are endless.

Here is a link that might be useful: My Tree

Don't forget to check your local garden nurseries. I found the perfect artificial tree for my house at a nearby small nursery. Better quality than the big box stores and the price was comparable.

Thanks for sharing what you've learned! There are so many options out there.

Izzie, weren't you and I corresponding a while back when you were doing your kitchen and going with Crown Point? How did it all turn out?

We bought our tree from christmas in america. They have gorgeous trees, not like the ones you find in home depot, sears.... They look so real. You can choose the type of real looking tree you most want to imitate. They send you samples too. Just one word, make sure you measure the space you want to put your tree, because their trees vary in size. We bought a big tree, base-wise and we have to not put in the back few branches - haha
Anyhow - HIGHLY recommend for a long term artificial!

Here is a link that might be useful: christmas in america

Not that you asked, but please reconsider. A tree farmer is usually a small business owner who needs the support more than a factory in China does. I understand about allergies and fuss, mess, etc., but in these tough times, I'd rather support an American grower.

I understand the allergy and mess issue. Hope I never have to give up a fresh tree. Surprised myself when I bought a 4-foot artificial tree a couple years ago. Was a steal at 75% off after Christmas. It's a beautiful little tree and perfect for a spot in the dining room. The best part is I can keep it up through Mardi Gras just by swapping lights and decorations. We still buy a fresh tree for the keeping room.

After looking at 7 stores (Target, Home Depot, K-Mart, Lowes, Macy's, Michael's, and Jo-Ann Fabrics), we ended up buying a GE tree from Lowes. They had surprisingly nice ones.

I am shocked at how much the artificial tree technology has changed in the last ten years--they are much more real looking now. Also, there are a variety of footprints--narrow, wide, etc. Our 7.5 foot slim tree is perfect for our living room.

We have a 9 foot "pencil" tree in our sunroom, bought from Sears after Christmas at 75% off. It's prelit and goes up in 3 section (takes all of 15 minutes to assemble). We also go to a tree farm and cut a real tree for the living room because it's such a family tradition, but honestly, I could do without the cost/mess.

Here's our artificial tree last year:

We bought our 1st artificial tree almost 20 years ago when we lived in Denver and, with the dry air there, real ones were discouraged due to fire risk. It served us well for an investment of For this season we purchased a new one from Frontgate. A 9' slim-style which is pre-lit. So much easier to set up and it actually fits our preferred space more nicely. The only negative is that it is so realistic that the branches lack sufficient rigidity to support heavier ornaments.

Best of the holidays to you.

I'm drooling over the trees in hammacher schlemmer which not only set up in mins but do not require shaping (which can take an hour or more). I was married to a fireman fir 20 years and the thought of a tree fire (because I like to put it up early) worries me. The one live one I have has a smoke detector in it. Chinese people need to eat too....and I need to know my home will survive the holidays.

I bought a 6.5â GE tree from K Mart on clearance for $75. I wish it wasn't prelit but I'll deal with that when I have to. It does have those cheesy limbs on the insides but all the outer ones look real. Once you fluff and add ornaments, she's one purrdy tree.
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Allergies here.

And I love my pre-lit tree. One of the best things invented since sliced bread. :)

Now, putting up the tree feels like a family activity instead of a chore. What a difference!

Correction, my tree is 7.5' tall.

Great idea, Igloochick, about the smoke detector!

We always had Noble Firs but by the time Christmas Eve arrived no matter the care, misting and watering, the needles were just too dry to turn the lights on.

Four years ago, after research and comments on this forum, I ordered a 9 1/2 foot tree from Tree Classics. My husband built a base that secured the tree and elevated it to the height I needed.

It is beautiful, in four pieces, prelit, and most everyone that sees it thinks it is real.

Tree Classics sends a huge box of sample branches and you can actually see and touch the different varieties. If you order, the $20+ fee is credited to your purchase.

It is an extremely heavy tree but I think it will outlive me; I consider it a great investment.

We just bought our first artificial tree ever and we've had 37 real trees. I LOVE it. It was bought at a nursery, 6.5 ft. tall and pre-lit. It comes in three parts and the bottom and middle branches have hinges and the branches just fall into place. You can still fluff the branches any which way you desire. My husband thinks it's the nicest tree we've ever had. We had it assembled in about 20 minutes. I don't think anyone is going to think it's artificial--I also have a large bowl of evergreen potporri in the room to help the deception along.