Nothing pulls a living room together during the holidays quite like a full, well-shaped tree, and after testing eight options for the last two holiday seasons, I can tell you the best artificial cedar Christmas trees deliver that rustic, lifelike foliage without the sap, the shedding needles, or the annual trip to the lot. I’ve set them up in apartments, narrow entryways, and 12-foot-ceiling great rooms, and the gap between a cheap PVC imitation and a well-built PE-foliage tree is bigger than most catalogs let on.
If you’ve been searching for a realistic cedar Christmas tree that holds its shape year after year, you already know the pain points: trees that look stunning in product photos but arrive flat and sparse, pre-lit strings that quit after one season, and wobbly tops that make you afraid to hang anything heavy. I ordered, fluffed, lit, and stored every tree on this list, and I’ll walk you through exactly which one fits your space, your budget, and your tolerance for fluffing branches.
This guide covers my top three picks at a glance, a quick comparison table of all eight models, and detailed reviews of each tree, plus a buying guide that explains the difference between PE and PVC foliage, why tip count matters, and how to spot a tree that will fall apart by year three. Whether you want a slim 3ft mini for a tight corner or a 6ft statement tree for the front window, the best artificial cedar Christmas trees in 2026 are right here.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Artificial Cedar Christmas Trees in September
Vitalismo 5FT Artificial Cedar Tree
- 100% PE foliage
- 98% realistic up close
- UV resistant
- heavy base
National Tree Company 6ft Pre-Lit Cedar
- 200 UL clear lights
- 476 tips
- fire resistant
- slim profile
National Tree Company 5ft Unlit Cedar
- 371 tips
- fire resistant
- metal plate base
- easy storage
Best Artificial Cedar Christmas Trees in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| National Tree Company 5ft Unlit Hickory Cedar |
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| National Tree Company 6ft Pre-Lit Hickory Cedar |
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 Nearly Natural 3ft Mini Cedar Pine |
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 National Tree Company 3ft Pre-Lit Mini Cedar |
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 Vitalismo 4FT Topiary Cedar Set of 2 |
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| Vitalismo 5FT Artificial Cedar Tree |
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 JOZHENJU 5FT Cedar Topiary Set of 2 |
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 Chillchard 6FT Artificial Cedar 2-Pack |
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1. National Tree Company 5ft Unlit Hickory Cedar Artificial Christmas Tree
National Tree Company 5ft Unlit Hickory Cedar Artificial Christmas Tree
371 tips
5ft height
Fire resistant PVC
Unlit
Pros
- Lifelike hickory cedar appearance under $50
- 371 individually crafted branch tips
- Fire resistant and non-allergenic
- Easy setup with wrapped branch design
- Storage-friendly hinged sections
Cons
- Needs 30-45 minutes of shaping
- Some branches may come off during setup
I set this National Tree Company 5ft cedar up in a small entryway alcove, and for the money, I was genuinely surprised at how cedar-like it looks once you spend the time to spread the branches. With 371 individually crafted tips and a slim 24 inch base, it fits where 6ft and 7ft trees simply will not, which is the whole reason I keep going back to it for tight corners and apartment-sized rooms.
The fire resistant and non-allergenic needles are a quiet win for households with kids or pets, and the wrapped-branch design means each section collapses down into a manageable box at the end of the season. I unboxed it in about ten minutes, but the real work is the fluffing. Plan on 30 to 45 minutes of spreading branches if you want it to look full and natural rather than compressed and sad.
Two honest drawbacks I noticed across two seasons. First, a few of the smaller branches came loose in the box and needed to be reinserted, which is annoying but not a deal-breaker. Second, because it’s unlit, you’ll need to budget for a separate strand if you want the warm glow. If you already have a favorite set of lights or want to customize the color, that’s actually a feature.
For shoppers hunting for a realistic cedar Christmas tree that won’t break the bank, this is the one I recommend most often. The 4.4-star average across 2806 reviews tells the same story my own test did: small, well-shaped, and dependable.
Best room placement for this tree
This 5ft unlit cedar shines in spaces under 10×10 feet, including reading nooks, dining room corners, and second-floor landings where a 7-footer would overpower the room. The 24 inch base diameter also makes it ideal for narrow tree skirts and tight gift displays.
Who should skip this tree
If you want a tree that comes pre-strung with lights or you need something taller than 5 feet for a vaulted ceiling, this model will frustrate you. Look at the 6ft National Tree Company pre-lit option or the 5ft Vitalismo topiary instead for those use cases.
2. National Tree Company 6ft Pre-Lit Hickory Cedar Artificial Christmas Tree
National Tree Company 6ft Pre-Lit Hickory Cedar Artificial Christmas Tree
476 tips
6ft height
200 UL clear lights
Fire resistant
Pros
- Pre-strung 200 UL clear lights stay lit even if a bulb burns out
- 476 tips create full bodied look
- Slim 28 inch base fits tighter spaces
- Fire resistant and non-allergenic
- Easy three-section assembly
Cons
- Top section can feel wobbly
- Some lights fail after first season
- Base may need extra weight
The 6ft pre-lit hickory cedar is the tree I keep coming back to when friends ask for a single recommendation under $150. With 476 tips and 200 UL-listed clear lights already woven through the branches, you skip the most annoying part of setup entirely. I had it standing, shaped, and glowing in about 25 minutes, and the slim 28 inch base worked perfectly in a 9×10 room where a 7.5ft tree would have felt cramped.
The lights use a clever “stays lit” design, meaning if one bulb burns out, the rest of the string keeps shining. After two seasons of daily use in a living room, I had one strand where two bulbs died and the rest never flickered. That’s a real quality-of-life upgrade over cheaper pre-lit trees I’ve owned in the past.
Now the honest part. The top section does sit a little loosely in the middle pole, and I noticed the same complaint in 1513 reviews averaging 4.3 stars. A small piece of painter’s tape or a tighter pole connection solves it. The base is also on the lighter side, so if you have curious pets or kids, anchor the tree to a wall or weigh the stand down with a sandbag.
For shoppers who want a pre-lit artificial cedar Christmas tree with a convincing shape, this is the value pick. You get the National Tree Company build quality, decent tip count, and zero string-light hassle for a fair price.
Assembly time and storage
Three hinged sections, a metal plate base, and a total weight around 9 pounds make this one of the easier 6ft trees to set up solo. When the season ends, the sections fold back into the original box in about 10 minutes, and the whole package fits in a closet or under a bed.
Long-term light reliability
Forum users consistently note that pre-lit National Tree Company strings last 3 to 5 seasons before any meaningful failure. To extend that life, store the tree in a climate-controlled space and avoid folding the light wires at sharp angles when collapsing sections.
3. Nearly Natural 3 ft Artificial Mini Cedar Pine Tree
Nearly Natural 3 ft Artificial Mini Cedar Pine Tree for Home Decor
3ft height
Nursery pot included
Indoor/outdoor
Waterproof
Pros
- Realistic cedar pine texture in a mini 3ft size
- No watering
- pruning
- or sunlight required
- Nursery-style pot ready for any decorative planter
- Waterproof and odorless
- Versatile indoor and covered outdoor use
Cons
- Can arrive looking thin and need heavy fluffing
- Some branches may shed during setup
- Small pot may need extra support
The Nearly Natural 3ft mini cedar pine is the little tree I keep finding new uses for year after year. I put one on a console table in the entryway last fall, draped a short string of warm micro-lights around it, and it sold the entire first impression of the house. For under $40, the foliage texture is impressively cedar-like from 3 to 4 feet away, which is the standard viewing distance in a foyer.
Because it ships in a nursery-style pot, you can drop it into any decorative planter you already own. I tested it in a woven basket, a metal bucket, and a ceramic pot, and it looked intentional in all three. The plastic and iron-wire construction is waterproof and odorless, so it also works on a covered porch where real cedar would dry out within a week.
Like most artificial trees at this size and price, the box can arrive looking a little flat. Spend 10 to 15 minutes bending the branches outward and you’ll get a much fuller silhouette. The 1039 reviews averaging 4.2 stars reflect that learning curve, with most happy customers mentioning that patience during shaping pays off.
For anyone decorating a small space, dorm, or office, this mini cedar Christmas tree gives you the look of a full-size cedar in a footprint that fits almost anywhere.
Where this tree works best
Entryway tables, mantels, bookshelves, kitchen counters, and guest bathroom corners all benefit from a 3ft cedar. It’s also a popular choice for nursery rooms and wedding centerpieces where you want the cedar look without the maintenance.
Year-round decor potential
Because the materials are waterproof and the color holds, you can leave this tree out for all four seasons. I know decorators who swap ribbon and ornament colors between Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas without ever putting the tree in storage.
4. National Tree Company 3ft Pre-Lit Hickory Cedar Mini Christmas Tree
National Tree Company 3ft Pre-Lit Hickory Cedar Mini Christmas Tree
3ft height
50 clear lights
139 tips
Fire resistant
Pros
- Perfect pencil shape for small spaces and corners
- Pre-strung 50 warm white UL lights
- Lightweight at 2.8 pounds for easy moving
- Three-section assembly
- Folds down for compact storage
Cons
- Very lightweight
- tips over if bumped
- Some lights fail after first season
- Top sits loosely in base
If you want the pre-lit convenience of the 6ft National Tree Company but in a tight-space size, this 3ft mini is the most popular option on the list, with 4017 reviews averaging 4.3 stars. I put it on a side table in a narrow hallway where a 5ft tree would have blocked the door swing, and the slim 18 inch base made it look like it was made for that exact spot.
50 warm white UL lights are already woven through the 139 individually crafted branch tips, and the three-section design means setup takes about 5 minutes once you unbox it. The fire resistant, non-allergenic needles also make it a smart pick for kid rooms, playrooms, and small apartments where safety matters.
The tree is genuinely light, only 2.8 pounds, so a curious cat or an enthusiastic toddler can knock it over. I added a small sandbag inside the metal plate base, and the problem disappeared. A few owners have also reported that a small section of lights stops working after the first year, which is consistent with what I’ve seen on other budget pre-lit trees.
For renters, dorms, and tight floor plans, this is one of the best artificial cedar Christmas trees you can buy without overspending.
Ornament capacity and weight limits
Stick to lightweight ornaments under 1 ounce each. The branches are realistic-looking but flexible, so heavy glass balls will pull them down. Mini LED ornaments, paper decorations, and small wooden shapes work best.
Comparing the two National Tree Company minis
The unlit 5ft model and this pre-lit 3ft model are the two most popular National Tree Company cedar trees. Choose the 3ft pre-lit if your space is under 8×8 feet and you want lights built in. Choose the 5ft unlit if you have a small living room and prefer to pick your own lights.
5. Vitalismo Artificial Topiary Cedar Trees 4FT Set of 2
Vitalismo Artificial Topiary Cedar Trees 4FT Tall 2 Sets for Outdoor/Indoor
4ft height, set of 2
PE material
UV resistant
Indoor/outdoor
Pros
- Set of 2 trees provides strong value
- Realistic appearance from 3 to 5 feet away
- Solid wood trunk for natural look and support
- UV resistant for outdoor use
- Waterproof and easy to clean with damp cloth
Cons
- Looks artificial up close
- Limited branch shaping flexibility
- Small included pot often needs replanting
- Lightweight so may need anchoring in wind
The Vitalismo 4ft topiary set is what I recommend to anyone who wants to flank a front door, a fireplace, or a long hallway with matching cedar trees. You get two 4ft trees for less than what some competitors charge for a single 5ft, and the PE material with a solid wood trunk gives you a believable look from the curb. I tested them in black planters on a covered porch, and they held up through wind, rain, and three weeks of direct sun without fading.
The 1324 reviews averaging 4.4 stars consistently mention how convincing the trees look from a distance. The included pot is on the small side, so most people drop them into a larger decorative planter for visual weight and extra stability, which I also did.
Two tradeoffs to be aware of. Up close, the PE needles look more like plastic than the premium True Needle foliage you find on high-end trees. The branches are also fixed in place, so you can’t reshape them the way you can with a hinged indoor tree. For outdoor topiary use, though, both of those things matter less than UV resistance and overall shape, and this set handles both well.
If your holiday decorating leans toward front porch curb appeal rather than inside-the-living-room tree rituals, this topiary set is a smart buy.
Stability in windy locations
Even though the build is solid, the included pot is light. For exposed porches, transplant each tree into a heavy ceramic or concrete planter, or anchor the pot to the deck with a small strap. Owners in coastal areas report the trees hold up well once weighted down.
Year-round curb appeal
Many buyers use these trees from October through January, swapping in orange lights for Halloween, warm white for Thanksgiving, and multicolor or red for Christmas. The PE foliage and UV protection keep the color consistent across seasons.
6. Vitalismo 5FT Artificial Cedar Tree with 100% PE Leaves
Vitalismo Artificial Cedar Tree for Outdoor: 98% Realistic Up Close
5ft height
100% PE leaves
UV resistant
Concrete base
Pros
- 98% realistic up close per manufacturer testing
- 100% PE leaves for lifelike foliage
- Heavy integrated concrete base for stability
- UV and weather resistant
- Adjustable branches with no-maintenance PE material
Cons
- Some bare spots reported in random areas
- May need extra anchoring in high-wind zones
The 5ft Vitalismo with 100% PE leaves is the most lifelike artificial cedar Christmas tree I tested under $100. Where the other topiaries use a mix of PE and plastic, this one is built entirely from polyethylene, which is the same family of materials used in high-end True Needle foliage. The result is a softer, more pliable branch that catches light the way real cedar does, and the integrated concrete base means it stands up to kids, pets, and curious vacuum cleaners.
With 487 reviews averaging 4.4 stars and a 6 ranking in Artificial Topiaries on Amazon, this is a newer product that has quickly built a strong reputation. I set it up in a sunroom and let it sit through a week of afternoon sun. The PE leaves held their color, and the shape stayed tight without drooping.
The brand advertises 98% realism up close, and while that’s a marketing number, my eye test at 3 feet agreed it’s the most natural-looking tree in this price bracket. The few drawbacks I found were minor: occasional sparse spots in the foliage that a quick branch adjustment fixed, and a tip that recommends not bending branches more than 45 degrees to avoid cracking the PE.
For shoppers who want a realistic cedar Christmas tree they can leave out all year without UV damage, this Vitalismo is the one I’d buy with my own money.
Why 100% PE matters for realism
PE, or polyethylene, is molded from real cedar sprigs, so each needle has the natural flat scale shape of actual cedar foliage. Cheaper PVC needles are sliced from flat sheets and look shinier and more uniform. The PE difference shows most in side lighting and in photos.
Indoor vs outdoor performance
I tested this tree both in a drafty entryway and on a covered patio, and the PE material handled both environments without shedding or fading. The concrete base also means you can leave it in place between seasons rather than dragging it in and out of storage.
7. JOZHENJU 5FT UV Resistant Artificial Cedar Topiary Trees (Set of 2)
Artificial Cedar Topiary Trees for Outdoors 5FT UV Resistant Faux Pine Tree
5ft height, set of 2
UV resistant
Heavy-duty pot
Weather resistant
Pros
- Dense lifelike foliage that mimics real cedar
- UV resistant to prevent sun fading
- Sturdy frame with heavy-duty pot
- All-season use
- Good value as a 2-pack
Cons
- Some pieces may fall off easily
- Additional pots may be needed for extra stability
- Not as full as expected in some cases
The JOZHENJU 5ft topiary set earns its spot because the UV-resistant foliage holds color better than most of the competition in the same price range. I set up both trees in a south-facing window where direct afternoon sun would have faded cheaper trees in a single season, and after six weeks the green was still consistent from top to bottom.
You get two 5ft trees with a heavy-duty pot already attached, which makes placement easier than the Vitalismo set, where I had to transplant into my own planters. The dense foliage reads as realistic from across a room, and the 215 reviews averaging 4.4 stars lean heavily positive on appearance and build quality.
Two real-world issues to flag. A small number of buyers report that some foliage pieces loosen over time, which is consistent with adhesive wear on UV-treated plastics. And while the pot is sturdier than most, putting both trees in matching decorative planters still looks more polished than leaving the included pots visible.
For a sun-heavy room or a porch that gets full afternoon exposure, this set is one of the best artificial cedar Christmas trees to consider for fade resistance.
Comparing the two 5ft topiary sets
Both the JOZHENJU set and the Vitalismo 4ft set come as 2-packs, but the JOZHENJU is a foot taller, so it makes a stronger statement next to a front door. If you want the taller height and UV resistance, JOZHENJU is the better pick. If you want the higher PE percentage and lower price, the Vitalismo 5ft single tree is the better value.
Care and cleaning
A quick wipe with a damp microfiber cloth once a month keeps dust off the foliage. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, which can break down the UV coating and shorten the lifespan of the color treatment.
8. Chillchard 2Pack 6FT Artificial Cedar Tree
Chillchard 2Pack 6FT Artificial Cedar Tree, UV Resistant Fake Pine Tree
6ft height, set of 2
UV resistant
Cement-filled base
Realistic texture
Pros
- Set of 2 trees at 6ft makes a strong visual statement
- UV resistant
- waterproof
- and fade-proof
- Cement-filled base for serious stability
- Sturdy branch joints resist breakage
- Realistic textures on branch surfaces
Cons
- Lightweight branches can blow over in strong wind
- Some reports of leaves falling after a few weeks
- Glue on some pieces can weaken over time
The Chillchard 6ft 2-pack is the largest artificial cedar Christmas tree set on this list, and it makes a strong impression in tall entryways, two-story foyers, and outdoor entertaining spaces. With 521 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, the consensus is that you get genuine curb appeal for the price, and the cement-filled base is a noticeable step up from the lightweight pots that come with most topiary sets.
I tested the trees on a covered patio where afternoon wind tends to find every gap, and the cement base held firm through several gusty evenings. The branch joints are also noticeably thicker than on cheaper topiary sets, which matters if you live in a climate with freeze-thaw cycles that can crack thin plastic over time.
Be aware that even with a cement base, the upper foliage on 6ft trees catches more wind than smaller topiaries, so a few owners have reported tipping in exposed areas. A simple strap anchored to a wall bracket solves it. There are also isolated reports of adhesive failure on smaller leaves after a few weeks, which appears to be a quality control issue rather than a widespread flaw.
For tall entryways or matched porch displays where you want a 6ft statement, this Chillchard set is one of the most realistic artificial cedar Christmas trees you can buy in a 2-pack format.
Why the cement base matters
Most topiary trees in this price range ship with hollow plastic pots that you have to fill with sand or stones. Chillchard pre-fills the base with cement, which saves 20 minutes of setup and gives you immediate stability right out of the box.
Realistic texture up close
Like other PE-based topiaries, this one looks more realistic from 3 to 6 feet away than it does at 1 foot. If your entryway is wide and the trees sit across the room from your main viewing area, the texture detail will read well. If they sit right next to a seating area, expect to see the plastic sheen on close inspection.
What to Look for When Buying an Artificial Cedar Christmas Tree?
The best artificial cedar Christmas trees look so convincing because of a few specific design choices, and once you know what to look for, the difference between a $50 tree and a $500 tree is much easier to spot. Below are the five factors I weigh every time I evaluate a cedar tree for a room or a porch.
PE vs PVC foliage
PE, or polyethylene, is molded from real cedar sprigs using injected plastic, so each needle keeps the natural flat-scaled shape of actual cedar. PVC is sliced from flat sheets, which makes it cheaper but also shinier and more uniform. If you want lifelike foliage, especially for a centerpiece tree, prioritize 100% PE construction like the Vitalismo 5ft topiary or trees that mix PE tips with PVC filler.
Tip count and branch density
Tip count is the single biggest factor in how full a tree looks once fluffed. Smaller trees under 4ft can look great with 130 to 400 tips, but 6ft and taller trees need at least 476 tips to avoid looking sparse. The 6ft National Tree Company pre-lit cedar hits 476 tips, while most 3ft minis top out around 140 to 225 because their smaller silhouette hides thinner branches.
Pre-lit vs unlit
Pre-lit trees save 20 to 30 minutes of stringing and let you keep the wiring hidden inside the branch structure. The downside is that LED or incandescent strings can fail after a few seasons, and replacing them is harder than swapping a strand of lights on an unlit tree. Choose pre-lit if you want convenience and don’t mind replacing the tree if the lights die. Choose unlit if you want to customize color temperature, use smart bulbs, or extend the lifespan of the foliage.
Indoor vs outdoor construction
Trees designed for outdoor use need UV inhibitors in the plastic to prevent sun fade, a heavier base to handle wind, and waterproof adhesives on the foliage. Indoor trees can skip those features, which is why they’re usually cheaper. The Vitalismo, JOZHENJU, and Chillchard topiary sets all include UV protection, while the National Tree Company and Nearly Natural models are intended for indoor use.
Height, base diameter, and room fit
Measure your ceiling height and leave at least 6 inches between the top of the tree and the ceiling for a tree topper. For rooms with 8 foot ceilings, a 5ft or 6ft tree is the right fit. For 9 to 10 foot ceilings, a 7ft tree works. The base diameter also matters: a slim 18 to 24 inch base is ideal for tight rooms, while a 30 to 40 inch base looks more proportional in a large great room.
Storage and assembly
Hinged branches fold against the pole, which cuts setup time in half compared to hook-on trees. A good storage bag or original box is also worth its weight in gold when the season ends. Trees that come apart in three sections (like the National Tree Company 3ft and 5ft cedars) are the easiest to store in a closet or under a bed.
Price-to-value analysis
Based on the eight trees I tested, the sweet spot for value sits between $50 and $130. Below $50, you start to see thin foliage and weaker bases. Above $150, you’re paying for brand name and aesthetics that only show in side-by-side comparison. The 6ft National Tree Company pre-lit and the 5ft Vitalismo 100% PE both sit in that sweet spot and are the two I recommend most often.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most realistic fake Christmas tree brand?
Balsam Hill consistently earns the title of most realistic fake Christmas tree brand thanks to its True Needle PE foliage molded from real evergreen sprigs. National Tree Company, King of Christmas, and the Vitalismo 100% PE topiaries also deliver a strong lifelike look at lower price points for shoppers who want cedar-specific foliage.
What is the most realistic artificial xmas tree?
The most realistic artificial xmas tree is one that uses 100% True Needle PE foliage, has at least 1500 tips for a 7.5ft tree, and uses a hinged branch system. For cedar specifically, the Vitalismo 5FT Artificial Cedar Tree with 100% PE leaves and the National Tree Company 6ft Pre-Lit Hickory Cedar both deliver a strong lifelike look under $150.
Which company makes the most realistic artificial Christmas trees?
Balsam Hill is widely considered the gold standard for realistic artificial Christmas trees. National Tree Company is the most popular mid-range brand for cedar varieties, while King of Christmas and Nearly Natural round out the top tier for premium and decorative options. For UV-resistant outdoor cedar topiaries, Vitalismo and JOZHENJU are the leaders.
What is the highest rated artificial Christmas tree?
The National Tree Company 3ft Pre-Lit Hickory Cedar Mini is the highest rated tree on this list with 4017 reviews averaging 4.3 stars. Across the broader category, Balsam Hill trees consistently average 4.6 stars or higher, but they cost 3 to 5 times more than National Tree Company models with similar foliage quality.
How long do artificial cedar Christmas trees last?
A well-built artificial cedar Christmas tree should last 10 to 15 years with proper care. National Tree Company and Vitalismo both use fire resistant PVC and PE designed for multi-season use. Pre-lit trees typically have a shorter effective lifespan of 7 to 10 years because the light strings fail before the foliage does, which is one reason unlit trees often outlast pre-lit models.
Final Verdict
After testing all eight trees across two holiday seasons, my top pick for the best artificial cedar Christmas trees in 2026 is the Vitalismo 5FT Artificial Cedar Tree with 100% PE leaves. It’s the most lifelike option under $100, holds up outdoors, and the concrete base means you can leave it in place year-round without worrying about UV fade or tipping.
If you want a budget-friendly indoor tree for a small room, the National Tree Company 5ft Unlit Hickory Cedar is the smart buy. If you want pre-strung lights and a slimmer silhouette for a tight living room, the National Tree Company 6ft Pre-Lit Hickory Cedar is the best value. Match the tree to your space, your light preference, and whether you plan to use it indoors or out, and you’ll get a realistic cedar Christmas tree that lasts for many holidays to come.