Balsam Hill Christmas Tree Review & Comparison

We’ve long had a tradition of cutting down a Christmas tree every year, and it’s something we look forward to each Thanksgiving weekend. In recent years I’ve wanted to add more trees to my Christmas decor…pre-lit and super easy to put up. So, imagine my excitement when Balsam Hill approached me to do a review of one of their trees, along with a comparison review of a tree from another store!

I’ve heard so much about their trees, and how realistic they are. I was eager to put that to the test, especially since we are accustomed to real trees. For a true comparison, they also sent me another tree to review–one as similar as possible from Target. I’m sharing pictures, my experiences setting them up, and how they matched up, side-by-side.

Thanks to Balsam Hill for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. Affiliate links are included in this post for your convenience. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

I knew I was looking for a tree to go in this room–our library–so I chose the Balsam Hill 7.5 foot Frosted Balsam Fir. For comparison, I chose the same tree–a 7 foot Frosted Balsam Fir by Target’s Wondershop. (They didn’t offer a 7.5 foot option.)

Balsam Hill Christmas Tree Review

The Balsam Hill tree arrived in two boxes, so I knew it was going to be good-sized. When I opened them up, the tree was in sections, wrapped neatly with red ribbon, and tagged so I could easily see which section came first.

I’ve never had a pre-lit tree, so I didn’t have any previous experience putting one up, and really appreciated the very thorough instructions that came in the box.

I was immediately impressed by a couple of different things. First of all, it was just SO EASY. This tree came with EASY PLUG™ SETUP, which I didn’t know about ahead of time, but it means that all you have to do is plug the tree in to the wall. All the lights are connected through the trunk, so there are no ends to find and match up and connect. When you put it together, you plug it in first, so you can see how the lights are placed, and then as you add sections, they automatically light up!

I chose the LED candlelight lights for my tree, but there are so many different options: color, different LED bulbs, fairy lights, twinkly lights, fiber optics, and more. You can really have the tree that you love!

Setting it up is easy too. Just add one section at a time, fluff and separate the branches, then repeat until they’re all on. The tree even comes with these handy gloves to wear while you’re working with the tree, and I loved them.

Now let’s talk about the tree itself. We’ve cut down many, many real trees over the years, and been to a lot of tree farms, and I couldn’t believe how realistic our tree was when I saw it. After I put up the second tree, it became even more noticeable, and there really was no comparison. The detail in the needles is incredible, and if I hadn’t already known that the tree wasn’t real, I wouldn’t have guessed. They use True Needle™ foliage (83%) with Classic Needles (17%) for fullness.

Simply put, it’s a gorgeous, full tree. This 7.5 tree is a full 60 inches around, has a 900 light count, and more than 5700 branch tips. I’m totally in love.

To add to its ease of use, the tree has an awesome light switch that you can press with your foot or your hand…no more climbing behind the tree to unplug it!

And when you’re ready to take the tree down to store it until the next year, it comes with the best storage bags. Mine came with three…two for the tree itself, and a smaller third bag for accessories. I love love that it doesn’t have to be stored in the boxes.

Target Wondershop Christmas Tree Review

I was eager to set this tree up and really get a sense of comparison between the two trees. The very first thing I noticed is that it came in only one box. There is only a 6 inch difference in height between the two trees, so I could tell right away that it was going to be smaller.

It was also very easy to put together, came with a simple instruction sheet, and the lights worked in the same way, in that each section would light up as soon as you placed it in the trunk once you plugged it in. However, the only way to turn it off and on is the plug itself.

It was easy to fluff and separate as well, and it was quite a quick process. I realized very quickly that there were nowhere as many branches or lights, and more sparse compared to the Balsam Hill tree. The shape is nice, but it’s definitely thinner and not as full or wide around. This tree has 350 lights, is 48 inches around, and 1419 tree tips.

I really like the color of the lights on this tree. They’re warm and cozy, and I actually prefer their color over the Balsam Hill lights. However, they are not LED lights, so bulbs will need to be replaced much more quickly.

I was disappointed that it didn’t come with any kind of storage bag–it had to go back into the box, which I think is awkward and difficult to store. Or, it means I’ll need to purchase a large tree storage bag, which is what I’ll probably do.

Balsam Hill Christmas Tree Review: Side-by-side Comparison

Balsam Hill Frosted Balsam Fir

• More than 3x the amount of branch needles–very full
• True Needle™ technology… extremely realistic needles and branches
• Nearly 3x more lights, with Easy Plug™ setup–lights automatically come on as you add sections, once it’s plugged in
• LED Candlelight Lighting
• 12 inches wider around
• Storage bags for tree and accessories included
• Protective gloves included for easy and comfortable setup
• Easy on/off switch…no climbing behind the tree
• 7.5 feet, $999 retail price (other sizes available)
• Comes with a 3 year warranty–complete coverage

Target Wondershop Frosted Balsam Fir

• Incandescent lighting
• Simple and easy to set up–lights go on as you add sections
• Gorgeous light color, warm and cozy
• No storage bag or accessories included
• No easy off/on switch–plug only
• Less expensive…$300 retail price
• Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, but I couldn’t find a warranty

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Overall, my choice would definitely be the Balsam Hill tree. The amount of lights and branch tips, the fullness and the incredible realness of the tree all made a difference—and then seeing them side-by-side really sealed the deal.

There is a big price difference, and normally I’m a budget girl. But I also appreciate a good deal, and there are some things that are worth investing in. Buying such a high quality, beautiful tree, with so many lovely features and useable accessories may be worth the extra cost.

However, I really do love the Target tree too. In fact, I love it so much in my bedroom that I don’t want to take it down in January! The light color is gorgeous—so cozy and homey, and it’s a great tree if you’re looking at that price point.

You can find a complete selection of their trees on the Balsam Hill website, and they also have blog that includes buyers’ guides and decorating tips!

If you have any questions, please let me know!

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