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When it comes to buying a Christmas tree online, the earlier, the better; not only will you be too busy shopping the post-Thanksgiving mad dash, but you’ll have your pick of the litter.

Like selecting a gift for your friends or family, picking a Christmas tree is a big decision. For most, it is the thesis statement of their holiday aesthetic. You don’t want to make a rash decision, so we recommend getting a head start and giving yourself time to consider your options by looking online. You can shop at a variety of farms or stores likeHome Depot or Lowe’s for live trees, while artificial trees can be found at many different retailers online.

Christmas Tree Buying Guide

Here are some essential things to consider when buying the best Christmas trees online.

Artificial vs. Live: This is the biggest question to ask yourself, and both have pros and cons. Live trees require a lot of maintenance and upkeep as you keep the tree up throughout the season. However, they have that classic evergreen smell and feel that many associate with the holidays. Many people grew up going out each year to pick out a new tree with their family. This might be a touchstone for many, but it can be expensive for some, depending on your financial situation. Some have allergies that can be agitated by the presence of a live tree, which is also something to consider.

Artificial trees require assembly only and can be kept for years; many people only replace their artificial trees out of personal choice, not need, which saves money. But perhaps the biggest pro for an artificial tree is that you can select a variety of colors and styles that you can’t with live trees.

Tree Type: Both artificial and live trees have different types. Fir, Spruce, and Pine trees are considered the most popular live options; firs are known for their distinct fragrance, flexible branches, and deep green color, while pine trees have more slender needles and typically come in colors that range from yellow-green and blue-green. You probably could recognize the Spruce’s unique silver-blue to greenish-blue color, with branches that turn upward. Much of this will be contingent on your personal preference and the availability in the region you’re living in.

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Artificial trees also come in different types, defined by the materials they’re made out of. There are PVC trees, which have “leaves” made out of thin plastic sheets that are attached to wire “branches.” PE trees are much closer to resembling live trees, thanks to a molding process that mimics evergreen needles and sculpted branch tips. Some are so good you can’t tell the difference until you’re standing up close to it.

Size: This will be contingent on how big or small the space you want to put your tree in. For those living in a smaller home or apartment, an artificial tree may be the way to go; artificial trees range from 6.5 feet to 12 feet high.

Extra Features: This strictly relates to artificial trees, which may come outfitted with some extra decorative items, such as synthetic snow or lights already on the tree.

The Best Christmas Trees Available Online

We rounded up a list of the best Christmas trees available online. Order now and get them shipped and delivered to your home well in time for the holiday decorating season.

1. Best Choice Premium Spruce Artificial Holiday Tree 

We love this tree for its classic design; it evokes all of the holiday feelings that a live tree would with much less maintenance; you also don’t have to worry about it being a fire hazard, thanks to the flame-retardant PVC branches. You can put this together in three easy steps: simply connect the base to the large section of the tree and attach the other areas. You can easily decorate it up with some lights, garland or ornaments to give it an individualistic, but still festive, flair. You can depend on this tree for many holidays to come. Available in 6 feet, 7.5 feet, and 9 feet tall.

2. Fresh Douglas Fir Christmas Tree

It’s easy to see why Douglas fir trees have been long considered the most popular Christmas tree in North America. Between the vibrant green color of the foliage and the sweet fragrance, what’s not to love? It’s also an optimal choice for someone with a large ornament collection, thanks to the density of the needles. Available in three feet and five feet tall.

3. National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Mini Christmas Tree

Having a few different-sized trees spread around is an excellent way to accentuate the festivity in your living, and this artificial option from National Tree Company is perfect for an end table, countertop, or hallway shelf. Though it only stands at two feet tall, the craftsmanship of the needles perfectly emulates the lushness of a much larger, live option. The pre-strung LED lights are not only energy efficient but promise to remain lit even if a bulb burns out.

4. Freshly Cut Balsam Fir Christmas Tree 

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If you’re all about grandeur, this 7 to 8-foot-tall tree is as striking as they come. The solid and upward-sloping branches and classic pyramid-shaped appearance support string lights, garland and delicate ornaments without you having to stress about decorations falling off. The tree’s spicy fragrance makes this the cherry on your festive sundae.

5. Sunnyglade 4-Foot Premium Artificial Christmas Tree

This artificial tree can be a great preview to the main event that is the rest of your home, either on your front porch, or close by the front door as the first thing guests see when they walk in. Thanks to its smaller size, there is no limit to the possibilities of where you can put this tree. We love the elegant white design, which makes the tree stand out while still functioning as a lovely accent piece to the rest of your decorations. Keep it simple with some solid color string lights, or go over the top with the decorations.

6. Hammacher Freshly Cut Christmas Tree

Hammacher Schlemmer’s fresh-cut Christmas trees pride themselves on being freshly cut and carefully packaged to retain the pristine condition you desire from your Christmas tree. Unlike the other live options on our list, these trees can be shipped straight to your door; you don’t even have to go to the store and pick them up. And don’t worry about not seeing it before purchasing; each tree is handpicked at their farm in North Carolina. Available in full and slim options, from 4.5 feet to 6.5 feet tall.

Caring for Live Christmas Trees

If you decide to go the live tree route, you’ll want to evaluate it before you take it home and ensure that you continue to monitor and take care of it. Here’s what you need to know:

Dry Christmas trees are a fire hazard, so to ensure your tree isn’t dry, shake it and watch to see what falls. If you only see a few brown needles fall, you’re golden. But if there are a lot of green needs falling off, that’s a sign you’ve got a dry tree. To avoid drying a tree, water it regularly; experts recommend a quart daily for most species.

To avoid water rising inside your tree’s trunk, you’ll need to cut some of the base off. If you’re uncomfortable doing so, places like Lowe’s and Home Depot can typically perform this service. After the cut, you’ll need to place the tree in a bucket of water for a few hours before you can place it in your tree stand (we like a tree stand that holds water, like this one here).