The Christmas tree is an important element of the New Year's decor. Not everyone can afford to buy a live spruce, so the choice falls on artificial trees. They are quite durable, there are many models that are affordable. However, before buying, it will be useful to know how to choose the right artificial Christmas tree for the holiday, what nuances you need to pay attention to.
The main criteria for choosing an artificial Christmas tree
The first moment, which must be precisely determined in advance, is the size of the tree. For standard city apartments, it is not recommended to purchase models that will be higher than 150-180 cm. Small artificial Christmas trees, especially fluffy ones and with additional decor, can very nicely fit into almost any interior. For small models, it is easier to find a place in the room, they are faster and easier to decorate, they are quicker to assemble and disassemble. Small to medium sized artificial Christmas trees are easier to store throughout the year. In addition, the higher and more voluminous the tree, the higher the price tag can be on it.
The price of artificial spruce in stores varies. There are very expensive models, they always look attractive and elegant, even without jewelry. There are also cheap options, but they will have a much shorter lifespan. In addition, there is a higher risk that a cheap artificial tree will be made not in the best way, from not the best quality materials. In a home with small children, it is not recommended to purchase inexpensive models.
Having solved at least approximately the issues of size and price, you need to decide which tree you want for the new year. The most common green artificial Christmas trees are on sale. There are models in white, silver, red, with artificial snow or with additional decorative elements in the form of cones and bows. Expensive artificial spruces include items with LEDs and backlighting. For such trees, you do not need to additionally use garlands and flashlights, they work either from the mains or from batteries. However, if you have any problems with the built-in backlight, you will hardly be able to solve this problem on your own. Before buying such trees, it is imperative to test them for performance.
In stores, you can buy artificial Christmas trees for the new year, which have various fasteners. Those options, the branches of which are fixed on hooks, are less convenient and durable than other analogues. An excellent choice can be a New Year's beauty of a non-collapsible type. Such spruce will not require special conditions for subsequent storage, however, it can last longer than collapsible structures.
It is important to pay attention to the stand. Plastic options are less stable and can crack if handled improperly or carelessly. Therefore, it is more correct to give preference to Christmas trees on metal supports. Before the final purchase, it is imperative to study the complete set of the box so that screws, nuts, bolts are not lost during the packaging process.
Quality artificial spruce has no odor. Often, cheap models just have a weak or strong unpleasant aroma of plastic and some kind of chemistry. If the artificial tree smells like something, you should not buy it. Even putting it on the balcony, it will not be possible to erase such a smell.
When choosing a Christmas tree, you need to pay attention to the number of branches, how lush the tree looks when assembled. The branches should bend easily, while the wire should not show through strongly, the ends of the branches should not be sloppy or sharp. The quality of artificial needles should also be tested. The needles must be slightly pulled, held "against the grain". If artificial needles do not crumble, do not peel off, do not hurt, then this model is suitable for use.
Artificial Christmas trees are made from different materials. The price and service life of the product partially depend on what the wood is made of.
What are artificial spruce
There are mainly five types of artificial Christmas trees on the market for the new year:
- from fishing line;
- made of PVC;
- fiber optic;
- made of plastic (cast Christmas trees);
- with paper needles impregnated with special chemical solutions.
The first three types of Christmas trees usually fall into the middle price category. As a rule, their service life does not exceed 5-8 years. They are produced both in the West and in Russia. Such artificial Christmas trees are usually in good demand. However, some caution must be exercised with them: do not leave the garlands burning for a very long time, for example, more than a day. The material from which these products are created cannot flare up, but there is a risk that it will begin to smolder and smoke.
Cast spruce is notable for its high price, however, it also visually looks almost like a living tree. They are produced mainly in the states.
The latter type is the cheapest artificial Christmas tree usually brought from China. Such models rarely have a hygienic certificate, they must be very carefully inspected if there is a desire to purchase. Care should be taken to hang lanterns on such Christmas trees, since paper needles can easily catch fire. Candles and sparklers should not be lit near them.
