If you're searching for the right artificial tree, make sure you are purchasing a tree that meets your quality expectations. Traditionally, the quality of an artificial tree has been based on the number of tree "tips". Everyone knows that it's not festive to have a Christmas tree with a clearly visible center pole!

You should also consider the quality of the tree stand. Avoid plastic or cheap metal stands, and look for metal legs with rubber feet to prevent scratching the flooring. Finally, make sure the construction of your tree is "hinged", not "hooked". A "hooked" tree is less expensive, but it requires a very time-consuming branch-by-branch assembly.

When shopping online, we recommend you carefully inspect photographs of the tree you are considering. Look for websites that provide "super zoom" photos of complete trees so you can look for details of quality and craftsmanship. Make sure you can view a high-resolution photograph of the tree, in order to gauge the level of quality. Many trees look great at low resolution but lose 100% of their allure and beauty when you see them in person.

As for the number of branch tips, different tree styles have different tip quantities. For example, a 7.5' Scotch Pine has 724 tips, while most other 7.5' trees have thousands of tips, because a Scotch Pine has very long needles in nature and therefore fewer tips as an artificial tree. Since it is virtually impossible to compare trees across manufacturers, we recommend you look at a close-up photo of the whole tree to see if it looks "full." Inspect it to see if you can spot the center pole of the tree. If so, that's a telltale sign you're dealing with a tree of inferior quality.

PE plastic tips-like exclusive True Needle™-are the highest quality, followed by PVC plastic tips. However, quality varies dramatically depending on material quality and coloring. For example, high quality PVC tips with color and texture variations may provide a more realistic appearance than low-quality, single-color PE tips. The best way to judge a tree is in person or through a close-up photo. Preferred retailers allow you to order a Branch Sample Kit to review the quality in person before making a purchase.