There’s a lot to love about artificial Christmas trees. Many people go faux for the convenience. Instead of venturing out in the cold each year in search of the perfect tree, you can select a single artificial tree that can be brought out of storage and set-up year after year at your convenience. Many of today’s artificial trees are designed for fast set-up, and convenient pre-lit options take much of the work out of set-up time—allowing you to have fun finding the perfect spot for your favorite ornaments, not struggling with strands of lights. There is less maintenance and clean up as well.

Others choose to use an artificial Christmas tree because of the cost savings over time. An initial investment in an artificial tree means there is no need to purchase often costly real trees each season. Artificial trees are a good option for those with allergies, and they can be an environmentally friendly option as well due to the years of reuse.

No matter your reasons for choosing an artificial Christmas tree, you’ll want to consider the many options available and choose a tree that will lift your holiday spirits for years to come. Before purchasing a tree, consider these varieties.

Height: One of the first things to consider when purchasing an artificial Christmas tree is the height. There are many size options available, from small tabletop trees to grandiose 15-foot artificial Christmas trees. Of course, you’ll want to take into account the height of your ceiling, but there are other considerations such as the amount of ornaments in your collection, the time you want to dedicate to trimming your tree, and the storage space your tree will require.

Cost: Wondering how much an artificial Christmas tree costs? The answer is: it really runs the gamut. If you’re budget it tight, you can easily purchase a tree for under $300.00. If you are looking to invest in a high-quality, realistic looking artificial Christmas tree, you can spend over $800.00. When determining your budget, keep in mind the expected life span of the tree. It may be worthwhile to spend a little more today to get a high-quality tree that will last for years to come—and that you’ll continue to enjoy for those years.

Flocked: Do you love the look of snow covered branches, or do you want your evergreen tree to truly look green? Choose from lightly to heavily flocked artificial Christmas trees or unflocked varieties, depending on your preference. Tip: Consider how your favorite ornaments will look against both varieties. You may love how your red ball ornaments pop against a white flocked tree.

Species: Artificial Christmas trees are created to mimic popular real tree species. Choose from your favorite pine, fir or spruce trees. The different varieties of these popular species offer distinctive looks, including shape, type of needle and color.

Set-Up: A less obvious consideration but one that shouldn’t be overlooked is set-up. Manual artificial Christmas trees are the traditional option, but they have come a long way over the years. Featuring hinged branch construction for easy artificial Christmas tree assembly and shaping, many varieties of trees are designed to be fast to set-up and take down. If your ultimate goal is convenience, however, you should choose a self-shaping artificial Christmas tree with pre-shaped branches. You just set the bottom section in the stand, add the middle section(s), and top with the tree top section. Minimal shaping and adjustments are needed, making set-up a breeze.

Lights: Unlit artificial Christmas trees are a great option for those desiring ultimate versatility and long life from their Christmas tree. You can choose the type of lights you like and how they are hung on the tree. Plus, you have the ability to switch lights out over the years. On the other hand, many people opt for pre-lit trees because of the convenience. You can choose from clear and multi-colored pre-lit trees; or choose LED multi-function pre-lit trees, and you can easily switch between different light settings.

By taking these considerations into mind, you can choose an artificial Christmas tree that you’ll be happy to gather around for years to come. Now, bring on the ornaments!

Still want more information? Read our artificial Christmas tree buying guide.