It’s usually around this time of year that I start looking ahead to the festive season and find myself asking the same question: “Is a Balsam Hill Christmas tree really worth that much money?”
Spoiler alert: plenty of people think so. But that doesn’t mean the brand is without its critics. A quick look through Reddit reveals some lengthy discussions about the issues customers have encountered after investing in one of the brand’s famously luxurious trees.
Naturally, I did what any Christmas-loving person would do and spoke to a few people in the know. Bronte Rose (bronte_rose on Instagram) and Gabbi Deiuliis (gabbidei on Instagram) are both content creators who have embraced the Balsam Hill fanfare and invested in trees of their own.
Summary: Are Balsam Hill Christmas Trees Worth It?
The verdict from both Rose and Deiuliis is a resounding yes. While both have enthusiastically backed the brand, whether a Balsam Hill tree is actually worth the investment will ultimately come down to how much you are willing to spend, and how much you enjoy celebrating and decorating your home for Christmas each year.
I also spoke to Kelly Bernal, Vice President, Merchandising Strategy and Growth at Balsam Hill, to get some insight into what actually goes into making these premium Christmas trees and what separates them from more affordable alternatives.
Jump To:
WHAT ARE BALSAM HILL TREES MADE OF
ARE BALSAM HILL TREES WORTH IT
WHEN DO BALSAM HILL HAVE SALES
WHERE TO BUY A CHRISTMAS TREE
WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM A BALSAM HILL TREE?
HOW TO DECIDE WHICH TREE IS RIGHT FOR YOU
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SET UP
What Are Balsam Hill Trees Made Of?
Balsam Hill Christmas tree foliage is made using a combination of materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and recycled polyethylene (rPE).
The exact materials used depend on the foliage style you choose, with each designed to replicate the appearance and texture of real greenery. As Bernal explains, “Our True Needle® foliage uses molds created from real branches to recreate those small details that make a tree feel so convincing, from the texture of the needles to the way the branch tips sit.”
It’s this attention to detail that Rose attributes to her tree looking so impressive year after year. “The realism, the fullness and the detail in the branches are things you might not think about initially, but they make such a difference once the tree is up in your home.”
Of course, when shopping for a Christmas tree online, it can be difficult to know exactly what to look for when trying to distinguish a high-quality design from a less convincing alternative. Fortunately, Bernal has a few pointers.
“Look closely at the shape of the needles, the colour variation and the way the branches grow,” she advises. “A natural tree has character, and a well-designed artificial tree should capture that.”
“When shopping online, look at close-ups and images of the tree without decorations, as well as the fully styled version. You want to see the tree itself. I’d also check the construction, stand and warranty. Quality should carry through from how the tree looks to how it’s made.”
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Are Balsam Hill Trees Worth It?
For Rose, a self-confessed ‘Christmas Queen’, the answer is a very clear yes.
“The branches have different textures, the colours look really natural and the tree has that lovely full shape you would expect from a real Christmas tree,” she says. “It doesn’t have that plastic, artificial look that you can sometimes get with other trees.”
Rose also believes that anyone who loves getting into the festive spirit will appreciate having a more luxurious tree in their home. “Balsam Hill has been perfecting its trees for 20 years, and I think that experience really shows. Once you’ve had one, it’s hard to go back!”
For both Rose and Deiuliis, the pre-lit feature is a major selling point. It’s also one of the features that seems to divide opinion, if the Reddit discussions are anything to go by.
“This genuinely saved me hours of decorating time,” says Deiuliis. “There’s no fussing around with tangled fairy lights or trying to fill in dark spots. It looks beautiful before you’ve even added a single ornament.”
“I don’t think I realised just how much I’d appreciate not having to put lights on the tree myself!” Rose agrees.
However, some of the customer complaints circulating on Reddit concern the longevity of the pre-lit features. While the trees themselves may still look beautiful, some customers report experiencing issues with the integrated lights over time, with limited options for fixing them once they stop working.
In some cases, this means continuing to use the tree without its original lighting and manually adding fairy lights each Christmas. Which, dare we say, somewhat defeats the purpose of investing in a pre-lit tree in the first place.
That being said, if the thought of spending upwards of $1,000 on a Christmas tree is enough to make you reconsider, it’s worth knowing that Balsam Hill’s unlit designs are generally more affordable. They could also be a good entry point into the brand if you’ve been curious about investing in one but aren’t quite ready to commit to the full pre-lit experience.
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When Do Balsam Hill Have Sales?
If you’re considering investing in a Balsam Hill Christmas tree, there’s no need to rush into a full-price purchase. The retailer runs promotions throughout the year, so there are opportunities to save if you’re willing to keep an eye on its offerings.
As we speak (or, write), Balsam Hill are offering up to 50 per cent off selected trees, wreaths, ornaments and other decorations. You can also expect Black Friday to be another opportunity to shop the brand, with seasonal promotions making it a particularly good time to look for savings on some of its more premium designs.
Where To Buy A Christmas Tree?
While there’s certainly something to be said for the tradition of bringing home a real Christmas tree each year, artificial trees have become the more popular option, and you’ll find plenty of options across retailers including Balsam Hill, Myer, Adairs and Big W.
Balsam Hill Christmas trees, specifically, are available directly through the brand’s Australian online store. Below, we’ve rounded up some of its most popular designs, alongside a few other standout Christmas trees I’d happy have in my home.
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California Baby Redwood Christmas Tree
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Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
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Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
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European Fir Christmas Tree
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Monterey Pine Christmas Tree
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Silverado Slim Christmas Tree
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Northern Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
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Frosted Alpine Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
Who Would Benefit From A Balsam Hill Tree?
If you’re still umm-ing and ahh-ing over whether a Balsam Hill tree is the right investment for you, Rose and Deiuliis have some thoughts on who would get the most out of owning one. “Anyone who loves Christmas as much as I do!” Rose tells me. “Especially if you enjoy decorating your home and making a bit of a fuss over the festive season.“
While a Christmas tree might only take pride of place in your home for a limited time, Deiuliis says investing is worth it. “A Christmas tree might only be on display for a couple of months each year, but it’s the little details that make all the difference,” she says. “Balsam Hill has really thought of everything, from the included gloves and storage bag to the realistic, pre-lit branches and beautifully full appearance.”
She also points to the setup and pack-down process as something she’s particularly appreciated since investing in a Balsam Hill tree. And, according to Bernal, taking a little extra care when storing your tree is key to keeping it in good condition for years to come.
“My biggest advice is to give packing away the same care you give setting up. It makes next Christmas easier,” Bernal states. “Use the storage bags provided to keep the sections covered and protected from dust and avoid forcing them into a space that’s too small or stacking heavy boxes on top.”
“Where you store it matters just as much. Choose somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and moisture. A little care helps preserve the foliage and shape, ready for another Christmas.”
How To Decide Which Tree Is Right For You
From different heights and widths to varying foliage styles and silhouettes, there’s plenty to consider before settling on the right one for your home. However, “I’d start with what you’re drawn to,” Bernal tells me. “Is it a lush, traditional Christmas tree, or something more open where you can really see the individual branches? The colour, shape and texture all contribute to how a tree feels in your home.”
For those who aren’t quite sure which foliage style will suit their space, she also recommends starting with the brand’s Branch Sample Kit. “You can feel the foliage, compare the colours, and see how they look in your own home.”
Beyond aesthetics, Bernal also recommends measuring your space before committing to a particular design. “Think about where it will sit, how much room you have around it and whether you’ll be adding a tree topper, as that needs to be considered in the overall height.”
If you’re still struggling to narrow down your options, Balsam Hill also offers a handy Tree Finder Quiz, which helps you identify the styles and features best suited to your home and personal taste. There are also dedicated quizzes to help you find the right wreaths and garlands, as well as Christmas decorations that complement your decorating style.
How Long Does It Take To Set Up?
Thankfully, putting a Balsam Hill Christmas tree together doesn’t appear to be quite as time-consuming as decorating one, and can be put together in just a few minutes.
“The tree comes in sections, so putting it together is quite simple,” Rose shares. Deiuliis agrees, saying that after clicking the pieces together, “I spent about 20 minutes fluffing out the branches.”
Rose also tells me that she loves the pre-lit option, as it takes another task off the Christmas decorating to-do list. Of course, how long you spend decorating the tree itself will depend on the look you’re going for.
As Deiuliis points out, “a more minimal, tonal tree will naturally take less time than a nostalgic, maximalist Christmas tree.”
“From there, it’s all about layering the ornaments,” Deiuliis says. “Decorating can easily take a few hours, but I personally love taking my time with this part and putting on some cosy Christmas ambience on YouTube.”
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