The excitement of Christmas is enough to make you hit the market and buy just any kind of tree you find attractive. But wait! Before you get that stunning, awe-inspiring pre-lit tree out of the store and straight into your family car, check out some of its benefits and downsides:
Pros
Less work and greater convenience: Among all the stages in the decorating process, stringing lights typically takes the most time.
Pre-lit trees make decorating your home easier, and removing lights after Christmas is easier as well. No doubts, since the holidays are already busy enough, not having to string tree lights relieves you of one more chore.
Increased efficiency and safety: As LED lights become cooler and more energy-efficient (instead of incandescent), together with artificial trees not drying out, pre-lit Christmas trees can be the perfect balance between safety, convenience and energy efficiency.
Pro tip: Check to make sure your tree is UL listed/approved–this indicates its safety. Unless this designation is available, you should explore other options before making a final choice.
Cons
Increased price: Pre-lit trees are almost always among the most expensive options when it comes to artificial Christmas trees to buy for the holidays. Besides, pre-lit Balsam Hill Balsam Firs are $499.99 compared to $429.99 for an unlit model.
The burning out of bulbs: The pre-lit bulbs aren’t all the same. A broken bulb in a less expensive tree could short out all the other lights, leaving it bare and unattractive. But then you can avoid this by looking for labels that state ‘continuous on’ or contain the phrase ‘burn-out protection.’
Limited decorating options: Since most pre-lit trees stay lit until they’re replaced, you’re limited in your decorating options.
Considering these factors, it is best you purchase a pre-lit Christmas tree based on your situation and personal preferences. Peradventure you’ve found one that suits your taste and catches your fancy, go for it!