For years, my family and I were devout members of the “real tree” club. The annual pilgrimage to a chilly, pine-scented tree farm was a cherished tradition. We’d argue good-naturedly over the perfect specimen, haul it home, and wrestle it into the stand, leaving a trail of sap and needles in our wake. But with that tradition came the less magical realities: the daily watering, the constant sweeping of fallen needles, the allergy flare-ups, and the anxiety of leaving it unattended during holiday travel. The final, sad drag of a dry, brittle fire hazard to the curb in January always felt like a deflating end to the season. We decided it was time to enter the world of artificial trees, but we had one non-negotiable condition: it couldn’t look artificial. We wanted the permanence and convenience of a synthetic tree without sacrificing the wild, authentic beauty of a real one. This quest led us to the National Tree Company ‘Feel Real’ 7.5 ft Norwegian Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree, a product promising unparalleled realism for those of us tired of the mess but not the magic.
- This Norwegian Spruce Artificial Green Christmas Tree is 7.5 feet tall with a 58 inch base diameter. Featuring hundreds of 'Feel Real'...
- Designed to look and feel lifelike, this tree is defined by its close attention to detail, featuring hundreds of individually crafted...
What to Consider Before Investing in an Artificial Christmas Tree
An artificial Christmas tree is more than just a seasonal decoration; it’s an investment in years of holiday memories and a practical solution to the drawbacks of live trees. The main benefits are clear: no watering, no needle drop, reusability that saves money over time, and hypo-allergenic properties for sensitive family members. They eliminate the fire hazard of a drying tree and offer consistent shape and beauty year after year. For many, this convenience is the ultimate holiday gift, freeing up time and energy to focus on what truly matters during the festive season.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values both aesthetics and practicality. They are often former real-tree purists who are tired of the annual expense and upkeep. They appreciate a natural, slightly imperfect look over a perfectly conical, dense shape, and they enjoy the creative process of decorating a tree from scratch. Conversely, this specific unlit, sparse model might not be suitable for those who prioritize maximum convenience above all else. If you want a tree that is ready to go in minutes with lights already attached and an extremely full profile that requires minimal shaping, a pre-lit, high-tip-count model might be a better fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A tree’s height and diameter are the most critical factors. This 7.5-foot tree is perfect for rooms with ceilings higher than 8 feet to allow for a topper. Just as important is its 58-inch base diameter; this is a wide, stately tree that requires significant floor space. Always measure your intended location to ensure a comfortable fit that doesn’t overwhelm the room.
- Realism & Tip Count: The realism of an artificial tree is determined by its materials and construction. This tree uses a mix of PE (polyethylene) ‘Feel Real’ tips on the outside and traditional PVC filler on the inside. With a tip count of 1325, it’s designed to be intentionally sparse, mimicking a natural spruce. If you desire a super-dense look, you’d need to seek out a tree with a tip count of 2500 or more.
- Materials & Durability: Look for high-quality PE and PVC needles that are crush-resistant and retain their shape. A sturdy, foldable metal stand is essential for stability, especially for a tree of this size. Features like fire-resistant and non-allergenic needles are crucial safety and comfort considerations that provide peace of mind throughout the holiday season.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A hinged branch system, where branches are pre-attached to the center pole, is a modern standard that dramatically simplifies setup and storage. Be prepared for the initial “fluffing” or shaping process, which can take an hour or more but is only required once per season. When the holidays are over, the tree disassembles into sections for storage in its original box or a tree bag.
Keeping these factors in mind, the National Tree Company ‘Feel Real’ 7.5 ft Norwegian Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the National Tree Company ‘Feel Real’ 7.5 ft Norwegian Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- National Audubon Society (Author)
- 【High Quality Materials】This artificial cedar tree is made of high quality, odorless PE material. It looks realistic and durable,...
Unboxing and First Impressions: A Skeptic’s Initial Take
Upon arrival, the box for the National Tree Company ‘Feel Real’ 7.5 ft Norwegian Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree was surprisingly manageable. Weighing just over 21 pounds, it was far easier to handle than a live tree of similar size. Inside, we found three distinct, lightweight sections of the tree and a sturdy, foldable metal base. The initial unboxing experience did give us a moment of pause, a feeling echoed by many other users. Fresh out of the box, the branches are compressed and look quite thin, leading to a brief “Charlie Brown tree” moment of doubt. You can see the inner workings, the hinges, and the central pole clearly.
However, running our hands over the outer branches immediately revealed the magic of the ‘Feel Real’ technology. The PE tips are molded from real tree branches, giving them a texture and structure that is remarkably lifelike and a world away from the flat, papery feel of older PVC trees. Assembly was incredibly simple; the three sections slot into each other and the stand in less than two minutes. But as the manufacturer states, and we can’t stress enough, the assembly is just the prelude. The real transformation happens during the fluffing stage, where this bundle of compressed branches begins to take on its true, majestic form.
What We Like
- Stunningly realistic appearance that often gets mistaken for a real tree
- Intentionally sparse design beautifully showcases dangling ornaments
- Extremely simple and fast three-section, hinged assembly
- Unlit design allows for complete creative control over lighting
- Sturdy metal base and durable branch construction
Drawbacks
- Requires a significant and patient time commitment (45-60+ minutes) to properly fluff and shape
- Top section is quite thin, which can be challenging for heavy or traditional tree toppers
In-Depth Performance: From Bare Bones to Holiday Centerpiece
An artificial tree’s true worth is measured not just in its appearance out of the box, but in how it transforms a space and serves as the canvas for cherished memories. We spent considerable time with the National Tree Company ‘Feel Real’ 7.5 ft Norwegian Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree, from the initial setup to the final decoration, to understand its performance in every critical aspect.
The ‘Feel Real’ Technology: A Masterclass in Realism?
The standout feature of this tree is undoubtedly its ‘Feel Real’ branch tip technology. National Tree Company uses polyethylene (PE) to create three-dimensional needles molded from actual tree branches. The result is uncanny. The outer tips have the varied length, subtle color graduation, and slight upward curve of a living Norwegian Spruce. They are crush-resistant, so they bounce back beautifully after being compressed in storage. We found that this realism is the number one reason people fall in love with this tree; multiple users reported having guests ask them if their tree was real.
It is important to understand the tree’s construction, as some users are initially surprised. To achieve a degree of fullness without an exorbitant price tag, the tree employs a hybrid system. The outer, most visible two-thirds of each branch feature the high-end PE tips. Deeper inside, closer to the pole, the filler material is more traditional, flat PVC needles. While some purists wish the entire branch was PE, we found this to be a brilliant and practical design choice. The inner PVC filler adds depth and helps conceal the central pole, while the outer PE tips provide the stunning, photorealistic facade. Once lights and ornaments are added, this inner construction becomes completely unnoticeable, yet its contribution to the tree’s overall shape is invaluable.
The Art of the Fluff: Assembly, Shaping, and Patience
As mentioned, the physical assembly of the three sections and the stand is trivial, taking mere minutes. The real work—and where the magic happens—is in the “fluffing.” The manufacturer’s estimate of 45-60 minutes is accurate, and we would advise putting on some holiday music and treating it as a mindful, festive activity rather than a chore. Our process involved starting with the bottom section and working our way up, branch by branch, layer by layer. For each main branch, we fanned out the smaller individual branchlets in all directions—up, down, left, and right—to create a natural, layered look and fill in any perceived gaps.
This meticulous shaping is what transforms the tree from a sparse frame into a full-bodied, authentic-looking spruce. We noticed that a few of the PE tips can be delicate, as one user noted they can break off if handled too roughly, so a gentle but thorough touch is key. The hinged branches drop into place easily, but it’s the careful articulation of each smaller stem that makes all the difference. The payoff for this initial time investment is immense. The tree takes on a beautiful, organic silhouette that feels like it was plucked from a forest, not a factory. The feeling of accomplishment when you step back and see the fully shaped tree is undeniable, and you’ll understand why this particular model has garnered such a loyal following.
A Blank Canvas: The Beauty of an Unlit, Sparsely Designed Tree
We specifically chose the unlit version, and we believe it’s one of this tree’s greatest strengths. Pre-lit trees are convenient until a single bulb or section fails, leading to frustrating troubleshooting or a partially dark tree. An unlit tree is a blank canvas. It gives you complete freedom to customize your lighting scheme every year. One year it can be classic warm white, the next multicolored, and the year after that delicate fairy lights. This was a key factor for one family who noted, “I wanted white lights and my child wanted color, so having no lights wasn’t an issue at all for me.” We strung our test model with 1000 warm white micro-LEDs, and the effect was breathtaking, with the lights twinkling deep within the branches.
Furthermore, the intentionally sparse design is a feature, not a flaw. Unlike ultra-dense trees where ornaments can only sit on the surface, the Norwegian Spruce’s layered, open structure allows decorations to hang and dangle naturally. This is an absolute dream for anyone with a collection of large, heavy, or heirloom ornaments. As one user celebrated, “I was able to get almost all of my ornaments on the tree (which would never have happened with a real tree). I liked being able to hang my heavier ornaments without worrying if the branch will sag.” The sturdy branches provide excellent support, allowing you to create a rich, multi-dimensional look. The only notable drawback of this sparse design is the very top section. We concur with several users that it is quite thin and may not support a heavy, traditional angel or star topper. A lightweight topper, a ribbon bow, or simply weaving the top branch into a finishing point are all effective solutions.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment for the National Tree Company ‘Feel Real’ 7.5 ft Norwegian Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree is overwhelmingly positive, particularly among those making the switch from real trees. A common narrative emerges from user feedback: initial skepticism upon unboxing, followed by sheer delight once the fluffing and decorating are complete.
One user perfectly captured this journey, stating, “I was a little skeptical upon unboxing this tree. The branches looked thin. But as we fluffed the branches, put on lights, and adorned the tree with our ornaments, it came to life!” Another, who was specifically searching for a tree to showcase a special ornament collection, called it “perfection,” adding, “It truly looks like a real tree.”
Of course, no product is without its criticisms. The most consistent point of constructive feedback, which we also observed, centers on the sparse top and the hybrid branch materials. One reviewer gave a balanced take: “The inside part of each branch is like a regular Christmas tree and the ends are more realistic… I expected the whole tree to be more realistic.” This highlights the importance of setting expectations: it’s a mix of PE and PVC. This feedback is relevant for potential buyers, confirming that while the overall effect is realistic, it’s achieved through clever, cost-effective engineering.
How Does It Compare? The National Tree Company Norwegian Spruce vs. The Competition
While the Norwegian Spruce excels in natural realism, its specific design isn’t for everyone. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives, each catering to a different need.
1. National Tree Company 7.5 ft Pre-Lit Frasier Grande Artificial Christmas Tree
- This Frasier Grande Full Pre-Lit Artificial Green Christmas Tree is 7.5 feet tall with a 65 inch base diameter. Featuring hundreds of...
- Features 1000 white lights that remain lit even when a bulb goes out. The lights are strung on the tree before packaging, offering an...
The Frasier Grande represents the other end of the aesthetic spectrum. It is a full, dense, and perfectly conical tree that comes pre-lit with white lights for maximum convenience. Like the Norwegian Spruce, it features ‘Feel Real’ technology for a realistic touch, but its profile is much fuller, designed to look like a perfectly cultivated tree from a farm. This is the ideal choice for someone who wants a classic, robust Christmas tree look with minimal fuss. If you prioritize convenience and a dense silhouette over the ability to hang ornaments deep within the branches, the Frasier Grande is a superior option.
2. Yaheetech 7.5ft Pre-lit Pencil Christmas Tree
- Full and Flexible Branches: The Xmas tree features copious bendable flame-retardant PVC branches, making it exceptionally full and...
- Warm Lights: The pre-lit Christmas tree features abundant warm white lights, providing a comfy glow and creating a welcoming holiday...
This alternative is all about saving space. The Yaheetech Pencil Tree is designed for apartments, tight corners, entryways, or smaller rooms where the Norwegian Spruce’s sprawling 58-inch diameter would be impractical. As a “pencil” or “slim” tree, its footprint is significantly smaller, allowing you to have a full-height tree without dominating the living area. It comes pre-lit and offers a straightforward, traditional look. This tree isn’t trying to compete on wild, natural realism; it’s competing on footprint and convenience, making it the perfect solution for decorators with limited space.
3. National Tree Company Kingswood Fir 6.5ft Pre-Lit Christmas Tree
- This Kingswood Fir Slim Pre-Lit Artificial Green Christmas Tree is 6.5 feet tall with a 28 inch base diameter. Featuring hundreds of...
- Features 250 multicolor lights that remain lit even when a bulb goes out. The lights are strung on the tree before packaging, offering...
The Kingswood Fir is a fantastic mid-range option for those with standard 8-foot ceilings. At 6.5 feet, it leaves ample room for a tree topper without feeling cramped. It features a slim profile that’s wider than a pencil tree but more compact than the Norwegian Spruce, making it versatile for many room sizes. This model also comes pre-lit, in this case with multicolor lights, offering a playful, ready-to-go holiday vibe. While it lacks the advanced ‘Feel Real’ PE tips, it provides a classic, attractive look and represents a great value for a reliable, pre-lit tree from a trusted brand.
The Final Verdict: Is the National Tree Company ‘Feel Real’ 7.5 ft Norwegian Spruce Worth It?
After extensive testing, shaping, and decorating, our verdict is a resounding yes. The National Tree Company ‘Feel Real’ 7.5 ft Norwegian Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree is a triumph for anyone who has longed for the authentic beauty of a real tree without the annual cost and mess. Its unparalleled realism, achieved through the ‘Feel Real’ tips and a natural, sparse silhouette, creates a stunning holiday centerpiece that consistently fools the eye. It is the perfect canvas for the passionate decorator and the ornament collector, providing a sturdy, layered framework where cherished decorations can truly shine.
However, this tree demands patience. It is not a plug-and-play solution. You must be willing to invest an hour into meticulously fluffing its branches to unlock its true potential. If your primary goal is speed and convenience, a pre-lit, denser model would be a better choice. But for the discerning buyer who values artistry and authenticity above all, this tree is more than just a product; it’s an investment in years of breathtakingly beautiful holidays.
If you’ve decided the National Tree Company ‘Feel Real’ 7.5 ft Norwegian Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API