Choosing between National Tree Company and Balsam Hill comes down to your priorities regarding budget and included accessories. Balsam Hill targets the luxury tier with dense branch counts and complete setup kits, while National Tree Company emphasizes accessible pricing and dependable everyday holiday displays.
Both manufacturers produce hinged artificial trees that simplify seasonal installation, but their packaging philosophies differ significantly. Understanding how their foliage designs, accessories, and profiles align with your room dimensions ensures you pick the right centerpiece for your home.
Balsam Hill Foliage and Included Equipment
Balsam Hill focuses on substantial branch density and comprehensive accessory packages. Many of their trees arrive with protective shaping gloves, heavy-duty stands with floor protection, and dedicated off-season storage bags that protect your seasonal investment over time.
Balsam Hill 6.5ft Unlit Classic Blue Spruce
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A notable example of this design philosophy is the Balsam Hill 6.5ft Unlit Classic Blue Spruce, which features 2,144 branch tips crafted from classic needle foliage. This unlit model gives decorators full control over their light styling while offering a sturdy foundation for medium and heavy hanging ornaments.
The tree includes hinged branches that drop smoothly into position, alongside a scratch-proof stand and a custom storage bag. Because the dense tips ship compressed for safe transport, decorators should allocate sufficient time to manually shape each branch section from the bottom upward.
National Tree Company Approach and Market Focus
National Tree Company serves shoppers seeking practical holiday foliage at competitive price points. The brand provides an extensive catalog spanning traditional full-profile trees, slim silhouettes, and compact pencil shapes designed for entryways and apartments.
Most models utilize sturdy metal folding stands and standard hinged branch systems that streamline annual assembly. However, these packages rarely include luxury storage bags or shaping gloves, meaning buyers must typically purchase off-season preservation containers separately.
Feature Comparison: National Tree Company vs Balsam Hill
| Feature Category | Balsam Hill | National Tree Company |
|---|---|---|
| Market Tier | Premium investment decor | Budget to mid-range value |
| Included Accessories | Storage bag, gloves, rubber-footed stand | Standard folding metal stand |
| Foliage Density | High tip counts (e.g., 2,144+ on 6.5ft models) | Varies widely by series and price tier |
| Branch Assembly | Hinged branch sections | Hinged branch sections |
| Lighting Options | Unlit, clear incandescent, LED configurations | Unlit, multi-color, dual-color LED choices |
Room Dimensions and Setup Considerations
Ceiling height is a critical measurement when deciding between these two artificial foliage brands. A 6.5-foot tree works comfortably under standard eight-foot ceilings, leaving ample clearance for decorative tree toppers and ceiling trim.
Fluffing requirements also influence your decision, as dense trees with over two thousand tips require thorough hand-shaping to reach full volume. Utilizing the protective gloves supplied in premium kits helps avoid hand abrasions while spreading branches section by section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Balsam Hill trees include storage bags?
Most Balsam Hill trees, including the Classic Blue Spruce series, ship with a durable off-season storage bag and shaping gloves. These inclusions eliminate the need to purchase separate storage containers after the holiday season ends.
Which brand is better for custom lighting designs?
Unlit options from either brand allow complete creative freedom for your holiday illumination. Selecting an unlit tree like the Balsam Hill 6.5ft Unlit Classic Blue Spruce ensures you can string vintage incandescent bulbs or smart LEDs without dealing with factory wiring failures.
Final Recommendation
Select Balsam Hill if you value a complete decor package with dense foliage, dedicated off-season storage, and protective accessories right in the box. Choose National Tree Company if your priority is finding a functional, well-built holiday centerpiece that leaves more room in your seasonal budget.
