Christmas trees come in two groups: real trees, mainly firs, spruces and pines, with the Nordmann fir the UK favourite, and artificial trees made from PVC, PE or a mix of the two, often pre-lit, flocked or fibre optic. The best type for you depends on needle drop, scent, space and budget. Below, we compare every type of Christmas tree and show you how to light each one.
Real or artificial: which is better?
Neither wins on every count:
- Cost over time: a real tree is a yearly purchase, while an artificial tree costs more up front but lasts for years.
- Needle drop: real trees shed some needles, depending on the species. Artificial trees shed none.
- Scent: real trees bring the smell of Christmas indoors. Artificial trees have none.
- Setup: a real tree needs collecting, a stand and daily water. An artificial tree comes out of the box.
- Lifespan: a cut tree lasts about four weeks with good care, according to the RHS. An artificial tree lasts many Christmases.
- Sustainability: it depends how long you keep an artificial tree, as the FAQ below explains.
What are the types of real Christmas tree?
The main types of real Christmas tree in the UK are the Nordmann fir, Norway spruce, Fraser fir, noble fir, Douglas fir, blue spruce, Korean fir and lodgepole pine.
- Nordmann fir. Needle drop: very slow. Scent: little to none. Look: dark green and symmetrical, with strong branches for baubles. Best for: low mess. The British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) names it the UK's most popular tree.
- Norway spruce. Needle drop: quick, especially in a warm room. Scent: strong and classic. Look: the traditional cone shape. Best for: scent and tradition over a shorter display.
- Fraser fir. Needle drop: low. Scent: fresh pine with a citrus note. Look: soft, dark green needles on a regular pyramid shape. Best for: scent with less mess.
- Noble fir. Needle drop: very low. Scent: mild and fresh. Look: bluish-green needles on short, stiff branches. Best for: heavy decorations.
- Douglas fir. Scent: the strongest of any Christmas tree, according to the BCTGA. Look: dense, with soft needles. Best for: scent lovers, though baubles are harder to hang.
- Blue spruce. Needle drop: better than Norway spruce. Scent: sweet but light. Look: blue-grey and prickly. Best for: a statement colour, but not with small children.
- Korean fir. Needle drop: excellent, among the best of any tree. Look: dark green needles that curl up to show silvery undersides. Best for: the longest, tidiest display.
- Lodgepole pine. Needle drop: low, if kept well watered. Scent: strong. Look: bushy, with big, very soft needles. Best for: homes with young children.
We do not sell real trees, but we appreciate their charm, and plenty of them end up wearing our lights. To keep a cut tree fresh, saw 2.5cm off the base, stand it in water, top it up daily and keep it away from fires and radiators.
What are the types of artificial Christmas tree?
Artificial Christmas trees are grouped by needle material and by style.
By material
- PVC. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) trees use flat, shredded tips attached to wire. They are the most affordable option and look full, but less realistic up close.
- PE. PE (polyethylene) trees use tips moulded from real fir needles, so they look and feel the most lifelike. They cost more. Here is more on what PE trees are.
- Mixed PE and PVC. PE tips on the outside and PVC filler beneath give a realistic look at a mid price.
Our range of artificial Christmas trees covers all three materials.
By style
- Pre-lit trees come with lights already fitted, in warm white, multicoloured or colour-changing, including app-controlled Twinkly trees.
- Flocked trees have a snow-like coating on their branches.
- Fibre optic trees carry light along fine strands that glow at the tips.
- LED and twig trees are made of light rather than needles. Our LED Christmas trees suit a modern room.
- Slim or pencil trees fit tight corners and narrow hallways.
- Mini and tabletop trees dress a desk, windowsill or small flat. See our mini Christmas trees.
- Coloured trees in black, white and other shades give a contemporary twist.
- Outdoor and commercial trees include tall, weatherproof cone trees for gardens, shopfronts and town centres. Browse our outdoor Christmas trees.
Which type of Christmas tree is best for you?
The best type of Christmas tree is the one that suits your home:
- Least mess: a Nordmann or Korean fir, or any artificial tree.
- Best scent: a Douglas fir, Norway spruce or Fraser fir.
- Small spaces: a slim, pencil or mini tree.
- Pets and children: a soft-needled Fraser fir or lodgepole pine, or an artificial tree. Skip the prickly blue spruce.
- Least effort: a pre-lit artificial tree.
- Snowy look: a flocked tree.
- Most realistic artificial: a PE or mixed PE and PVC tree.
How do you light each type of Christmas tree?
Light a Christmas tree to suit its shape: dense trees need more lights, open trees need fewer, and real trees always need LEDs.
- Real trees: choose LED Christmas tree lights. LEDs run cool, so they are the safer choice on a living tree. Start at the trunk and weave out along each branch, then keep the tree watered.
- Dense firs and PE trees: use more lights than you think, since thick branches hide the bulbs set deeper in.
- Open spruces and pines: use fewer lights, spaced evenly, so each one shows against the gaps.
- Flocked trees: warm white or white lights glow softly against the snow effect, and cluster lights add extra sparkle.
- Pre-lit and fibre optic trees: no extra lights needed. Add a lit topper if you like.
For exact numbers, our guide to how many lights you need includes a calculator.
FAQ
What is the most popular Christmas tree in the UK?
The Nordmann fir. The British Christmas Tree Growers Association names it the UK's most popular tree, thanks to its dark green needles and very slow needle drop.
Which Christmas tree drops the fewest needles?
Among real trees, the Nordmann fir and Korean fir hold their needles best. An artificial tree drops none at all.
What's the difference between PE and PVC Christmas trees?
PE trees have tips moulded from real needles, so they look more lifelike and cost more. PVC trees use flat, shredded tips that are cheaper but less realistic. Many trees mix the two.
Is a real or artificial Christmas tree better for the environment?
It depends how long you keep it. The Carbon Trust says an artificial tree used for 7 to 20 years, depending on its weight and materials, is better for emissions than buying a new real tree every year. A real tree's footprint is lowest when it is replanted or chipped, rather than sent to landfill.
Can you put LED lights on a real Christmas tree?
Yes. LEDs run cool, which makes them the safer choice. Keep the tree watered and away from radiators.
