Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce for $799: The Classic Blue Spruce from Balsam Hill has a nostalgic look that many seek in an artificial Christmas tree. However, judges agreed that it didn’t feel premium; Lindstrom noted it reminded her of her first-ever tree as a young adult. Mayer appreciated the brown tones in the needles for added realism, but felt that the tree lacked an upscale feel. The tree’s silhouette loses fullness toward the top, and up-close inspection of the branches and needles leaves more to be desired. Despite qualms, it remains a solid, middle-grade option for those seeking a traditional look. Score: 47.5 of 75
Hykolity Artificial Christmas Tree for $130: This one is one of Amazon’s top sellers, and has a 4.5-star average rating, so we had to test it. It mostly delivered on expectations; judges agreed that it’d be best suited as a budget-friendly option or in a kids’ room. If you look closely, you can see the branch wire, but judge Mayer summed it up nicely: “There’s a place for every tree.” On the plus side, the needles looked pretty realistic, and the lights included were good quality. One assembler noted that each light strand needs to be plugged into the next after assembly, which was a little confusing at first, but otherwise setup was pretty straightforward, and the price tag is inviting. Score: 46 of 75
National Tree Company Dunhill Fir (Pre-Lit) for $361: This one shocked everyone in the studio, especially when compared to its fraternal twin, the non-pre-lit Dunhill Fir, which ranked much higher. Dubbed the “Charlie Brown Tree” by both judges and assemblers, it looked very bare even after lots of fluffing. The top branch wouldn’t sit upright for a star or angel; cords were exposed throughout, and there were large gaps that couldn’t quite be hidden by fluffing. What looked promising in product photos didn’t translate in person, making this one a disappointing pick for anyone hoping for a full, reliable tree. Score: 32 of 75
