Types

• There are many different kinds of pre-lit artificial trees. In the 1950s, aluminum trees were popular choices. Today most of the pre-lit artificial trees look much more natural, but some of the tree choices are fun and funky as well. Lights are commonly all white or multicolor incandescent bulbs. Newer pre-lit trees may be strung with LED (light-emitting diode) lights, which can last up to 11 seasons and cost only 10 percent of the amount spent to power incandescent bulbs, according to Christmas Lights Etc. Fiber optic trees have lights built right into the branches of the trees. A light display of a cycle of several different colors rotates at the very end of each branch through a tiny light tube. Colored trees, with white, purple, pink, metallic or green needles are available, as are trees modeled after different varieties of evergreen trees.
  
  

Materials

• Most artificial Christmas trees are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PE (poly ethylene) PVC trees use branches and needles molded individually then glued onto the branches of the tree. PE trees use molds designed from real trees, which makes them even more realistic looking than PVC trees, according to Christmas Trees Galore. Artificial trees also use metal branches and center base to provide support for the tree. The lights strung inside the tree are constructed from plastic, glass and copper wires.
  
  

Benefits

• There are many benefits to using an artificial tree. Artificial trees can usually last for more than one year, making them more cost effective than live trees. They also are easy to set up, because the lights are already present in the branches. Artificial trees provide a way for individuals with pine allergies to share in Christmas activities. They also do not shed and have much less of a fire hazard than live trees.
  
  

Drawbacks

• Even though pre-lit artificial Christmas trees have many benefits, they also have some disadvantages. According to a study conducted in 2004 by the Asheville Environmental Quality Institute, artificial Christmas trees have the potential for lead poisoning. Although artificial trees do not have as high of a fire danger as live trees, they can still pose a fire risk. When the lights burn out, it is nearly impossible to replace the lights and a new tree must be purchased.
  
  

Cost

• Costs of artificial pre-lit trees vary greatly. Trees less than $250 to $300 usually do not present a very naturally tree-like appearance. Expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a suitable tree, with prices creeping up to around $1,000 for a really life-like tree. Some of these artificial trees even come with a pine scent to increase realism.