Buying an artificial Christmas tree: what to look for

Four things decide the purchase of an artificial Christmas tree: the needle material, the size, the assembly and the storage. This page sums up what to look for, using the figures of the HÅVN trees as an example.

1. Needle material: injection-moulded PE, PVC or a mix

Injection-moulded PE needles are shaped individually and in three dimensions. PVC needles are cut from film: they are flat but make the tree look dense. Mixed trees put injection moulding on the visible tips and PVC inside. At HÅVN the Livgrön is made of 100 % injection-moulded PE, the Nordlys is a mix and the lower-priced model. More on this: injection-moulded or PVC.

2. Size: ceiling height and floor space

Take 10 to 15 cm off your ceiling height, or 20 to 30 cm with a star or angel on top. With a 2.40 m ceiling a 180 cm tree fits. Add 50 to 60 cm of free space all round to the diameter. A 180 cm HÅVN tree has a diameter of 125 cm. For a table, sideboard or hallway there is the Livgrön in a pot in 60 and 90 cm. More on this: size guide.

3. Assembly: fold or plug

With a hinged branch system the branches hang on hinges and fold down (Livgrön, first assembly about 45 minutes). With a plug-in system you plug the sections together and spread the twigs (Nordlys, 45 to 60 minutes). In both cases most of the time goes into arranging the twigs. The Livgrön in a pot consists of one section and is up in 5 to 10 minutes.

4. Stand, weight and storage

Check that a stand and storage are included. Livgrön and Nordlys come with a solid wood stand with metal centre piece, a storage bag and gloves. Shipping weights range from 10.8 kg (Livgrön 150 cm) to 23.8 kg (Livgrön 240 cm), and you carry the sections one at a time. Store the tree dry and away from light in the bag.

5. Safety

HÅVN artificial Christmas trees are intended for indoor use and contain no electronics. You choose your own fairy lights, please only with CE marking. The fire behaviour of the needle material of Livgrön and Nordlys is tested to 16 CFR 1500.3(c)(6)(vi). Candles and open flames still do not belong on the tree.

Frequently asked questions before buying

Which artificial Christmas tree looks most real?

Close up, individually shaped injection-moulded needles look more natural than flat PVC needles. At HÅVN that is the Livgrön: 100 % injection-moulded PE, with no film branches inside either.

Which size do I need for a 2.40 m ceiling?

180 cm. That leaves 60 cm for topper and decoration. At 180 cm, Livgrön and Nordlys both have a diameter of 125 cm.

How long does assembly take?

About 45 minutes the first time (Livgrön) or 45 to 60 minutes (Nordlys). The Livgrön in a pot is up in 5 to 10 minutes.

How do I store an artificial Christmas tree?

Fold the branches up or bend them towards the trunk, separate the sections and store them dry and away from light in the storage bag. The bag measures 124 x 37.5 x 50 cm (Livgrön) or 120 x 40 x 40 cm (Nordlys).

What does shipping cost and can I return the tree?

Within Germany HÅVN delivers free of shipping costs in 1 to 2 working days. You can return the tree unused in its original packaging for 30 days; the return label costs €9.99 within Germany.

More on this: Livgrön or Nordlys compared, size guide, injection-moulded or PVC, view all trees