Over the last few years the changes in the design and manufacture of artificial Christmas trees has been profound. Many of them not only look, but actually feel like a real tree! Like to learn more about the history, production and availability of these trees? The following article will show you a whole range of artificial Xmas trees that’ll make you want to buy…

Some Historical Facts

The earliest Christmas trees were developed in Germany during the 19th century and were made of wood or goose feathers that were dyed green! These feathers were attached to wire branches and then wrapped around a central post. They were available to buy in a range of sizes from department stores in the 20th century. Sometimes the tips of the branches would have artificial berries attached – these acted as candle holders. The widely spaced branches prevented fire risks and also allowed room to add decorations.

In the 1930’s the first artificial tree made from bristles was produced. The trees were constructed from animal hair and again dyed green. The advantages of this type of tree were they were less of a fire hazard and able to hold heavier ornaments. Later in 1958 Xmas trees were made from aluminium and were popular into the 1970’s. Then the production altered to the supply of PVC plastic varieties including a range of pre-lit trees, available in a whole range of colours. This was followed by fiber optic designs where a traditional tree was resembled, or the whole tree was made of wispy fiber optic cables.

Behind the scenes production

These days a vast majority of artificial Christmas trees have different types of foliage options that are made from PVC. You can even select mixed foliage to give a customized look! There are three main types of foliage available: classic needle, true needle and pine needle. The classic needle is made from slim sheets of PVC cut into fine strands. The needles are flexible and resilient and are often used as fillers in most Xmas trees as they are able to block light and create density.

True needles are made from injection moulded PE plastic which copies the texture and structure of natural evergreen needles. Colours are pigmented to mimic the originals, and gives great colour variations within the branches themselves. Hues range from browns through to pale greens. PE is made to a more exacting standard and needles are softer to touch but less bendy. PVC pine needles have the feel of real pine needles as well as the size and shape of the needles themselves.

The tree selection

Choosing the right artificial Christmas tree for your home is really exciting but bear in mind a few tried and tested tips. Actually tips are one of the key factors here! The more tips you have on your Xmas tree the better. How do you put up your tree? Another thing to watch out for – trees may be hinged or hook on. Hinged trees are quick and easy to erect as the branches are attached with a hinge, and can be unfolded and fluffed out quite simply. Larger Xmas trees often come with separate branches that need to be hooked into place. This takes more time and will still need the fluffing out process to complete the look. Look out for one minute tree systems that save you loads of time and effort!

There’s a vast range of sizes to select from too. Slim line trees are ideal for small rooms without much space to walk through – they’ll stand flush against the wall, leaving you plenty of room to get by. You could even hang a small tree on the wall, or use mirrors to create the impression of a larger tree. Artificial Christmas trees are widely available in heights from 4ft to 15ft. Remember to choose a premium quality tree as a little extra expense now will ensure your tree lasts for years. Look to see if the tree comes with a strong foot of some description, often the trees are then suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Flame retardant options are better from a safety point of view.

You’ll also have a choice of artificial Christmas trees covered in snow, and with integrated warm LED lighting. The tree looks as if it’s been under a fall of powdery snow and is very pretty. You could buy matching garlands and wreaths to complete the festive display. Check out coloured trees, available in white, blue, pink and black. These are the latest, trendy trees and you can coordinate them to match your colour scheme! They’re flame retardant with heavy duty PVC tips and detailed branches - perfect for a modern home.

Fiber optic trees are still as popular today as they change colour beautifully due to the light travelling through the plastic tubing. This is a form of permanent lighting that never needs to be untangled or replaced, and the light doesn’t produce any heat. These trees are economical and energy efficient, strong, durable and virtually indestructible!

Time to take the tree down

The beauty of artificial Christmas trees is that you can pack them away and re-use them year after year. All trees will have been purchased in a sturdy box of some description-it’s wise to keep this for storage ongoing. With hook-on tree varieties, remove the branches and pack away with the trunk. For hinged Xmas trees, simply fold the tree to its smallest size and put back in the original packing. Remember to store your tree somewhere dry. If your tree has been damaged in any way over the Christmas period you could donate it to a charity shop. You could even consider cutting it up and using the branches to create garland and wreaths. You may be able to take the greenery off the branches and recycle them – the whole tree can’t really be recycled completely. This is due to the combination of metals and plastics which are non-biodegradable.

I am glad you’ve managed to read my creation and I hope you like it.