History of Artificial Christmas Trees

The artificial Christmas tree first came into existence in Germany some time during the 1800s. They were created to prevent deforestation that was occurring due to the popularity of real Christmas trees, and were constructed by attaching dyed bird feathers to sticks, which were inserted into a larger stick that formed the trunk. The first artificial Christmas trees manufactured in the United States were made by Sears in 1913.

Since the first artificial Christmas trees were made, they've become very popular for a number of reasons. In rental housing, many landlords forbid the use of real trees because of the fire hazard they pose, and others prefer them for their convenience, beauty, and cost savings year after year. Artificial Christmas trees have come a long way since the first one was made in Germany.

Many of the first artificial Christmas trees manufactured in the US were made by companies that also produced toilet brushes, using animal hair that was died green, and eventually plastic bristles. The branches were inserted into a center pole. As design quality moved forward, PVC was used to create more realistic needles, and to imitate the style of a variety of real Christmas trees. Each year, artificial Christmas trees have become more and more realistic in appearance. In 2003, PE artificial Christmas trees came to the market, which are even more realistic than those constructed from PVC. Higher quality trees with hinged branches were also a big step up in design.

A new phenomenon is the upside down Christmas tree. These trees were originally used by retailers to better display ornaments and gifts, and were highly sought after by consumers. Over the last two years, upside down Christmas trees have been in short supply, and suppliers have typically run out of them by September!

All artificial Christmas trees, whether traditional, upside down, white, or flocked, now commonly come pre-lit. Pre-lit trees are easier to set up, and the higher quality pre-lit trees are professionally strung with high quality commercial grade lights. Whatever the next innovation in artificial Christmas trees will be, you can be sure to find them at Santa's Quarters.