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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be a tad disappointed with my balsam hill tree

174 replies

Timinfuckingruislip · 03/12/2019 20:16

As a big treat got a Balsam Hill tree - I’ve bemoaned my other trees for years and don’t like the smell or mess of real trees.

Now it’s great, and Pre-lit etc.. but for the price, I don’t know, I expected it to look amazing- it’s nice enough - but not quite as “wow” as I was expecting.

Anyone else?

OP posts:
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33
midnightmisssuki · 03/12/2019 20:18

I've got one (not using it this year though as have a real one with us bing in the country) - i like mine, which did you get?

70sWitch · 03/12/2019 20:23

Even in the "sales" they're horrendously over priced. That's got to be a factor in your disappointment I think.

Also despite the foliage being very realistic, the shape often gives it away I think. Too triangular and neat to look real.

I looked though their site and was quite relieved in a way that none of them really excited me. I can't afford them anyway.

Original poster
Timinfuckingruislip · 03/12/2019 20:25

Erm think it’s called a Berkshire fir. To be fair it was in their sale but still way more than I’d ever usually spend on a tree.
Perhaps I need to “fluff” more.

OP posts:
TheNoodlesIncident · 03/12/2019 20:25

I do like them but to me they still look artificial, despite the fantastic design of the needles/branch structure. It's because they are so totally regular, which trees never are in nature.

They do look very glamorous but they wouldn't work for me as I need bigger gaps between the branches for my eclectic mix of baubles and decorations. If your baubles are all similar sizes then I guess it would work very well...

Is it that, or another factor you weren't expecting?

startagaintomorrow · 03/12/2019 20:25

Which one did you go for? Have been thinking of getting one too.

Original poster
Timinfuckingruislip · 03/12/2019 20:26

@70sWitch it’s definitely about the cost. I don’t think I have ever spent more than about £60
On a tree before. It is very nice and glad to not gaff about putting lights on the tree.

It’s not decorated yet - so that may be part of it.

OP posts:
ParkheadParadise · 03/12/2019 20:27

I've got 2 Fraser fir tree's from balsam Hill. I'm happy with them.

2018SoFarSoGreat · 03/12/2019 20:27

oh dear. I'm so sorry to read this!

I'm eagerly awaiting my Balsam Hill Order. Have always had a real tree, but last year's cost $250, and died within 2 days of decorating it. They replaced it for free, but it made for a stressful time. I was so hoping that making the investment (it is a big price!) of one of the most realistic fakes would work. EEK.

Daisydoola · 03/12/2019 20:28

They are the best of the fake ones but still obviously fake.

I liked ours but was happy to give it away and get a real one again.

Fluff it more and put loads of stuff on it Grin

Original poster
Timinfuckingruislip · 03/12/2019 20:29

I think perhaps it’s my skills in making it look good (I put the gloves on and everything Blush

OP posts:
Paddingtonthebear · 03/12/2019 20:30

After always having a real tree we bought a similar priced John Lewis artificial tree last year. It’s very nice and really quite realistic. But just leaves me feeling a bit... meh.

You can’t beat a real tree IMO 😏

Notso · 03/12/2019 20:32

They're too full which makes them look very obviously fake IMO.

Chrysanthemum5 · 03/12/2019 20:33

I have a balsam Hill tree (not sure which one got it in the sale a few years ago) and I love it. I do remember the first year it took a long time to fluff it up enough that it looked good so maybe get the gloves on again Grin

BuildBuildings · 03/12/2019 20:34

@2018SoFarSoGreat how big was your tree last year to cost that much?! Wow! Where do you live?

switcharoo · 03/12/2019 20:34

Let's see a photo!

70sWitch · 03/12/2019 20:34

@TheNoodlesIncident The only artificial tree I have found with a realistic shape and decent gaps between branches is from Christmas Tree World. The Mountain Pine (or Ultra Mountain Pine if you want realistic foliage)
Looks pretty good. 🎄

KristinaM · 03/12/2019 20:35

Did you fluff properly? And wind one of the twigs backwards around the stem of each branch ?

Bickles · 03/12/2019 20:35

Have you spent an hour or so fluffing it like on the YouTube video. The fluffing makes a difference.

TinyGringotts · 03/12/2019 20:37

I was looking at Balsam Hill trees on the basis that yes it's expensive but it'd last for years and years.

HOWEVER, I just couldn't bring myself to spend that much. So I got one from B&Q and I am utterly delighted with it. It gives me a wee warm feeling when I walk in to the room.

www.diy.com/departments/6ft-thetford-pre-lit-artificial-christmas-tree/3663602538752_BQ.prd

Jjbay · 03/12/2019 20:37

I got got mine from there this year I expected more tbh. Wouldn’t buy off them again anyway. It’s a nice tree but definitely not a wow tree.

70sWitch · 03/12/2019 20:37

@Timinfuckingruislip. Can't comment on the fluffing but I think you WILL be happier with it once it's decorated. I always am.

Original poster
Timinfuckingruislip · 03/12/2019 20:38

So it’s not in its “place”yet either... which may not help

To be a tad disappointed with my balsam hill tree
OP posts:
Original poster
Timinfuckingruislip · 03/12/2019 20:38

Photo didn’t post Sad

OP posts:
Bluewavescrashing · 03/12/2019 20:39

How much did you pay for it, OP?

HermioneWeasley · 03/12/2019 20:39

I’m with you. I got mine a few years ago and it looks like a £60 one.

Not worth it IMO

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