Balsam Hill began in 2006 when founder Mac Harman, based in Redwood City, California, sought an artificial Christmas tree for a family member with allergies. Disappointed by the market, he set out to create a lifelike alternative with lush green colour and realistic branches. The company has since expanded to Europe and is considered one of the most popular brands for fake Christmas trees. The brand offers a wide range of options, including firs, spruces, and pines, with specific varieties inspired by North American forests and other regions. The writer tested the seven-foot pre-lit BH Noble Fir, which also comes in six and nine-foot options, featuring LED clear lights.
Unboxing and setup
The tree arrives in a smartly branded box with a guide on opening it in the correct position. Inside, branches are carefully laid on top of each other, bound and wrapped for protection. A kit bag is included with gloves, spare fastenings, and replacement bulbs. The pre-lit version eliminates the hassle of stringing lights, as they are already pre-wrapped around the branches. This ensures no lighting gaps or forgotten branches when the tree is turned on. The detailed information available on the website is incredibly helpful before going ahead and buying, as the company has dedicated guides on how to pick the right tree, considering size, shape, needle type, species, colour and lights, including a helpful ‘tree finder quiz’.
Design and practicality
The tree is modelled on noble firs native to North America’s Pacific Northwest, featuring lifelike stems and downward-sloping branches. It closely resembles a natural tree from a farm or seller. The material consists of a mix of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and recycled polyethylene (rPE). With 1,985 tips, the tree provides a substantial presence. However, the real-life version looks more like a typical natural tree with organic gaps rather than the extremely dense, ballooning appearance often shown in the brand’s own images. The middle section of the tree can be slightly sparser and may require some styling to fill gaps. While the top and bottom remain lush, the centre needs attention to achieve a fuller look.
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For UK customers, delivery is available with a flat rate of £11.99, arriving within two to four working days, or three to five days for more remote areas like Scotland and the Channel Islands. The tree purchase also comes with a three-year warranty or the option to return or exchange within 30 days. Balsam Hill encourages customers to reuse their tree year after year and sells a selection of storage bags, boxes, and cases. The tree is available in 7ft, 6ft, and 9ft options, with LED clear lights pre-lit, though unlit is also available.
Value and extras
Balsam Hill have put a lot of time and energy into the customer experience and it really shows. Every moment, from unboxing the tree, to turning on the lights, has been considered and made as easy and user friendly as possible. If you’re busy, perhaps with a large family or hectic work life, ordering the BH Noble Fir will take all the admin of organising a Christmas tree off your hands. If you’re also looking for wreaths, Christmas decorations, tree skirts and accessories to complement your festive set up, Balsam Hill is a one-stop-shop.