When looking to buy an artificial Christmas tree you may come across ‘PE’ or ‘PVC’ mentioned in the description. This refers to the material the tree is made from. They have different qualities and benefits depending on what you are looking to achieve with your seasonal decorations. So, let’s guide you through some of the different options.
What are a PE Christmas Trees?
PE stands for polyethylene. This material is used to closely replicate the look and shape of Christmas tree needles and tips using injection moulding. Real tree branches are used to create a 3D mould, which is then filled with PE to make the faux branches. These artificial Christmas trees are superior quality and very realistic. Which tends to mean they are at the more expensive end of the range.
What are PVC Christmas Trees?
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. This material has been used for years and years to make artificial Christmas trees. It’s been considered the standard for a long time. The PVC material is cut into lots of thin flat strips for the ‘needles’ and then twisted into wire ‘branches’. They can create full and bushy looking artificial trees at an affordable price.
Which is Best?
Good question. Well, it depends on what you are looking for. In terms of quality and how realistic they look, then the PE Christmas trees are the better option. However, if you are looking for something effective and affordable, then the PVC Christmas trees are ideal.
But there is a third option – a mix of PVC and PE! You can now get the best of both worlds with a mixed material tree. Often using the carefully replicated PE needles as some of the outer most tips, with the PVC branches to fill out the rest of the tree. Giving a bushy appearance with the realistic edge, at a good price point. The happy medium!
How to Choose?
There are a few things to consider when choosing your next artificial Christmas tree. Price is a key factor that tends to go hand-in-hand with the quality of the tree.
But, also, think about how you will be decorating the tree. If you are using minimal decorations, then it might be worth going for a more realistic PE Christmas tree as there will be more branches on show. If you are using lots of decorations that cover the majority of the tree, then you probably won’t be seeing so many of the branches and you could use a PVC Christmas tree.
Another point to consider is how close people will be to your tree. For example, if it’s at the back of a window display, in the background at an event, or as part of a stage scene, then a PVC option would tick the box. If the artificial Christmas tree is going to be close to passing traffic in a hotel or shop, or in a living room or smaller office space, then perhaps choosing a mixed or full PE Christmas tree might give a better finish.
All in all it’s a balancing act between affordability and realism, but whichever option is right for you – we have fantastic selection of styles and sizes available.
Shop Our Ranges
PE Christmas Trees
PE & PVC Mixed Trees
PVC Christmas Trees
