Fake Trees -what tyoe, where from?

[NoseyNooNoo]

It has been decided that we're going to get a fake tree (DH insissts, boo hiss).

Anyway, I want one that looks realistic and won't look like a load of tat in a few years.

I was in John Lewis today. They had a couple of nice ones but were £125 and £130. Is that the normal rate? If this is relatively expensive is there somewhere cheaper to get as good or a better tree.

Oh, and what should I look for specifically in a fake tree?

Sorry for typo in title

I've been taking a look around and I am not confused as to how artificial trees are put together. I just supposed that the branches were all attached but looking at some descriptions it seems that it takes a long time to construct the trees - is this right?

Look at garden centres, independent ones if you can. It won't be long before they all have their displays for Christmas up and running. I would say that their better quality trees will be slightly cheaper for the same size than JL's. Definitely have a good look at those trees on display, touch them, find out how stable they are.

Sometimes you can save a little by buying a smaller tree, e.g. 5ft rather than 6ft. Get one that has a good stand for stability. Yes they can take a while to construct. Mine has a top piece, and six layers of branches under, each layer has six branches that need slotting onto the 'trunk', then all the individual branchlets need to be separated and placed in natural positions. However, the effect is very good. Then I have to put on the lights and dress it.

I've had my tree for eight Christmases so far, the cat has climbed it for three of those, and the tree has never fallen over and still looks good. I'm counting on it lasting another eight at least! It is made by the National Tree Company, an american firm, but was bought in England from a garden centre, so that's why I suggested looking there. If you google the company, you'll see what they make, and there might be some on Amazon, too. I know there are some garden centres doing internet orders, who stock NTC, but I would recommend seeing trees for yourself before you buy.

Yes definitely check out garden centres as girlywhirly suggests.

We had to get a fake tree 5 years ago as we were in rented accommodation so I insisted (as a diehard real tree fan) that it should look as natural as possible. Ours was about £80 from a place called Garson's Farm and it looks very good. Again, in 2 pieces with separate branches that are colour-coded according to size (tiny piece of coloured tape on each piece, invisible once tree is put together) and slotted into place. Each branch can be fanned out to look more natural.

Despite having DH helping (fussy about branch fanning) it only takes about half an hour to put together. It's a 6 footer and still looks good.

(Have now managed to find space in conservatory for a real tree too hehehe)

Thanks for that - hadn't imagined a garden centre would sell fake trees. We have a really good centre around here so may give them a call.

Nosey, whole areas in garden centres that were once filled with garden furniture and barbeques are then transformed into a forest of fake trees and every type of decoration, lights and decs for outdoors. Some even have small Santa grottoes!

I rang our local one - they will have a whole Christmas section with a grotto and reindeer... real reindeers!!!

I just wanted to respond properly to those who gave earlier advice. My local garden centre has a H U G E Christmas department. DD and I went there today and bought a bigger tree than we would have at JL, together with a tree skirt and a few baubles, a Santa Stop Here sign, a bag to store the tree in afterwards, a table runner and a few small items for the same price as the tree and tree skirt from JL - so thanks for the tip.

I did then go to JL for extra baubles - well I saya few but DH was rather shocked by the size of my booy bag when I came home - oops!

Glad to help. I think the trees sold by garden centres are superior to those I've seen in M&s and JL which I think are seriously overpriced. I'm happy that dd was able to get extras with the money you saved!

I'm sorry that I typo-ed again - at that time of night I can't even blame having a toddler crawling on me!