How to choose a cast-needle tree
An artificial tree is bought for many seasons, so it is worth choosing once and calmly. Here, in order, is everything to decide before you order.
A cast-needle tree is chosen on a few points: height, crown shape, colour, needle material, the stand, and then delivery and the check on arrival. The order matters — each decision builds on the one before.
Height: ceiling minus 20 cm
Subtract 20 cm from the ceiling height — that is the tallest tree for your room. The margin keeps the top from pressing against the ceiling; if there will be a star or a spire on top, add its height to the calculation too. Measure the ceiling with a tape exactly where the tree will stand.
| Ceiling height | Maximum tree height |
|---|---|
| 2.5 m | up to 2.3 m |
| 2.7 m | up to 2.5 m |
| 3 m | up to 2.8 m |
The most popular height is 2,1 m: it fits under the ceiling of most flats with room for a star. For a table, a windowsill or a child’s room there are compact trees from 0,6 m, and for houses and halls with high ceilings — up to 4 m.
Which height suits which place
| Where the tree will stand | What to consider |
|---|---|
| A table, windowsill or shelf | a compact tree from 0,6 m or a potted tree |
| A flat with a standard ceiling | a floor-standing tree of about 2,1 m |
| A house, a hall, a high ceiling | a tall model up to 4 m — by the “ceiling minus 20 cm” rule |
| No floor space | a hanging or wall-mounted tree |
Crown shape: slim or full
The ceiling sets the height and the floor sets the width. A slim crown takes up less space and suits a corner, a pier wall or a narrow living room. A full crown looks lush in the middle of a room but needs a clear circle around the trunk. Before choosing, measure from where the trunk will stand to the nearest furniture and wall.
- A corner, a walkway, a small room — slim
- The middle of the living room, a large space, lots of decorations — full
- No floor space at all — a hanging, wall-mounted or potted tree
Colour: green or snowy
A green tree is a classic that goes with any decorations and does not depend on fashion. A snowy tree looks festive on its own and needs less decor; silver, clear glass and the warm glow of lights suit it best. If you plan to change your ornament palette every year, green gives you more freedom.
Cast needles or PVC
This is the main difference in appearance. PVC needles are cut from flat film: soft, but flat, and they crease over time. Cast needles are moulded, so every sprig has volume and texture and looks more natural. Cast needles do not shed and keep their shape season after season.
Many models combine both materials: cast branches on the outside, where they are seen, and PVC film inside the crown for density near the trunk. The cast needles are made of 100% virgin SABIC polyethylene (the Netherlands); the trees are made in Ukraine, in Uman.
The stand and stability
A 2,1 m tree weighs 18–21 kg depending on the model, so the stand has to carry that weight level and without wobbling. After assembly, check that the trunk is vertical and the base is fully opened and flat on the floor.
- Stand the tree on a level, firm floor; on a thick rug, put a rigid board underneath
- Do not place the tree right against a radiator, fireplace or heater
- Hang heavy ornaments closer to the trunk: a branch holds about 1 kg of decorations
- If you have pets, choose a spot in a corner where the tree is harder to knock
Assembly: how much time to allow
The frame unfolds in about one minute. Then the sprigs need fluffing — that takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the height and how carefully you shape each branch. Start at the bottom and work outwards from the trunk: that way the crown comes out even, with no gaps.
What to check on delivery
Large trees usually arrive at a Nova Poshta cargo branch rather than a parcel locker. At the branch the order is simple:
- Before paying you inspect only the outside of the box; if the box is damaged, you can refuse the parcel
- After paying, open the box right there at the branch and check the contents
- If you find damage, ask the branch staff to draw up a damage report
- Keep the box: it makes a return within 14 days easy and is handy for storing the tree between seasons
Delivery, payment and warranty
Delivery is by Nova Poshta at the carrier’s rates. Orders are dispatched within 1–3 business days, pre-orders within 2 weeks. You can pay by card or cash on delivery. The warranty is 3 years, and returns are accepted within 14 days.
How to get the order right
- Measure the ceiling and the floor space before you open the catalogue
- Check the height and crown shape in the model description against your measurements
- Check whether the height you need is in stock or on pre-order — within 2 weeks
- For a large tree, choose a Nova Poshta cargo branch
- Set aside time to fluff the branches before the day your guests arrive
Care between seasons
After the holidays, take off the decorations, fold the branches and put the tree back in its box. Keep it in a dry room without temperature swings and put nothing heavy on top. Cast needles hold their shape, so next December you only need to fluff the sprigs again.
What is the most popular tree height?
2,1 m. It fits under a standard flat ceiling with room to spare for the top.
Slim or full for a flat?
For a corner or a narrow living room, slim; for the middle of a spacious room, full. What decides it is not taste but the free floor space around the trunk.
How does a cast-needle tree differ from PVC?
Cast needles are three-dimensional and textured; PVC needles are flat, cut from film. Cast needles look more natural and do not shed; many models combine cast branches outside with PVC inside the crown.
Does a cast-needle tree shed?
No. Cast needles do not shed, so after the holidays the ornaments are all you will need to put away.
How much weight can a branch hold?
About 1 kg. Hang heavier pieces closer to the trunk rather than on the tip of the branch.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock orders are dispatched within 1–3 business days, pre-orders within 2 weeks; after that Nova Poshta delivers the parcel on its own schedule.
Which tree to choose as a gift?
If you do not know the ceiling height of the person you are giving it to, a potted or wall-mounted tree is the safer choice: it needs neither floor space nor a ceiling calculation.
Can I open the box before paying?
Before payment only the outside of the box is inspected. You can open and check the tree immediately after paying, at the same branch; if there is damage, a report is drawn up.