Here are the answers to the questions we are asked most often before ordering an artificial Christmas tree. If yours is missing, write to us: we answer personally.
Choosing your artificial Christmas tree
Start with three things: the space you have, the effect you want and the time you want to spend on it. Space decides the size: ours go from 150 to 270 cm, with the base diameter given for every height, so you know beforehand how much room it takes. The effect decides the type of tree: the green tree is the classic fir, realistic to the eye and to the touch; the snow-covered tree comes with the snow already on the branches; the pre-lit tree arrives with the LED lights already built into the crown. Time decides the rest: they all open like an umbrella and are up in a few minutes. The quality is the same in every size: outer branches in PE with moulded needles, inner branches in PVC, a crown that is full from base to tip. In the questions below you will find sizes, materials, lights and snow one by one.
Measure two things: the height of the room and the width of the spot where you want to put it. Each of our sizes has its own base diameter, and that is what decides the real footprint: 150 cm with a 112 cm base, for a small home or as a second tree; 180 cm with a 124 cm base, the second most popular size, for a city living room; 210 cm with a 147 cm base, the most popular size, for the living room, the lounge or any room of the house; 240 cm with a 168 cm base, for large lounges and big houses; 270 cm with a 180 cm base, for big houses, villas, hotels and shops. If you are torn between two sizes, measure the floor space: the base diameter is the real width of the tree once assembled.
In a room with a standard ceiling height, the size people choose most is the 210: over two metres tall, it leaves room above the tip for the tree topper and is the perfect size for the living room and the lounge. Those who are tight on width choose the 180, which is 23 cm narrower at the base. Those with a large lounge or a high ceiling choose the 240 or the 270, which fill the room with the presence of a big fir. Rule of thumb: leave at least 30 cm between the tip of the tree and the ceiling, so the topper has room and the tree can breathe.
It depends on the effect you want at home. The green tree is the classic fir: it suits every decorating style, from traditional to modern, and it is the one that looks real up close, to the eye and to the touch. The snow-covered tree comes with the snow already on the branches, thicker on the tips, like after a snowfall: it goes well with white, gold, silver, champagne and red decorations, and with warm white lights. The pre-lit tree is the one that saves you the work of the lights: it arrives with thousands of warm white LED lights already built into the crown; you open it, connect the sections, plug it in and it is lit. In short: green, classic and realistic; snow-covered, snow indoors; pre-lit, ready in a few minutes.
An artificial tree is realistic when up close it looks like a real fir: needles with the shape, the veins and the roughness of natural ones, branches arranged as they are on a fir grown in the open, a crown that is full from base to tip. Realism depends above all on the outer branches, the ones you see and touch: that is why ours are in PE, polyethylene moulded needle by needle. The inner branches, in PVC, give the crown volume and body. The result is a very full tree that looks real up close.
They are the two materials of the branches. PE, polyethylene, is moulded needle by needle: it reproduces the shape, the veins and the roughness of real needles, and it is soft to the touch. PVC is a ribbon shaped into leaves: it costs less, gives volume and fills the crown. A tree made only of PVC is full but up close you can see it is artificial; a tree made only of PE is realistic but often sparse inside and far more expensive. Our green and pre-lit trees combine the two materials: PE on the outer branches, where realism counts, PVC on the inner ones, where volume counts. When you search for a real-feel artificial Christmas tree, this is what you are after: a tree with PE outer needles.
The right number grows with the height, and it is the first figure to look at: more branches mean a crown that is full from base to tip. Our green trees have 1228 branches at 150 cm, 1700 at 180 cm, 2382 at 210 cm, 3908 at 240 cm and 5258 at 270 cm, and they are full from base to tip with no gaps, where a tree short on branches would show its trunk. The pre-lit trees have the same branch count, size for size, with the LED lights already fitted; the snow-covered ones have 2531 at 180 cm and 3611 at 210 cm. Shaping the branches after assembly counts, but it really works when the structure you start from is already full.
The 150 or the 180. The 150, with a 112 cm base, is the small size: it fits even where space is tight and keeps the walkway clear; many families also choose it as a second tree. The 180, with a 124 cm base, is the second most popular size: 30 cm shorter and 23 cm narrower than the 210, with the same quality. Before ordering, measure the width of the spot where you want to put it and compare it with the base diameter: that is what decides whether the tree fits.
From four things you can check. The number of branches in relation to the height: a 210 with 2382 branches is full from base to tip. The material of the outer needles: PE reproduces real needles, to the eye and to the touch. The shape: a fir grown in the open, wider at the base and full up to the tip. The construction: branches fixed to the trunk, umbrella opening, metal stand, needles that stay in place year after year. A standard tree usually has fewer branches, needles in PVC only and a crown that empties towards the trunk: the difference shows once the tree is assembled.
A well-built tree lasts many Christmases: the PE and PVC needles are fixed to the branches and stay in place, the trunk and the stand are metal, and the branches open and fold like an umbrella every year with the same movement. The warranty covers 2 years. To make it last, fold it in January and store it away from dust: in its box or, for sizes up to 210 cm, in our Big Christmas Bag. Next Christmas it comes out as it went in.
No. The PE and PVC needles are fixed to the branches and stay in place year after year. When you first assemble it, a few fragments left between the branches from production and transport may fall: a minimal amount compared with the thousands of tips on the tree, and it happens only once.
Assembly and storage
Yes. The branches are already fixed to the trunk and open like an umbrella: you slot the sections one on top of the other on the metal stand, open the branches and in a few minutes the Christmas tree is standing. Then you simply shape the branches as you like, according to the decorations you choose, and the crown takes the shape you want. The pre-lit trees arrive in three sections, each with its own plug: you connect them together, a single cord goes to the socket and the tree lights up. The snow-covered trees arrive in three parts and open the same way, with the snow already on the branches.
By shaping the branches, the step that makes the difference the first time you assemble it. Start from the inner branches, near the trunk, and work outwards: separate the tips in different directions, some upwards, some sideways, others slightly downwards, so the gaps fill and the crown gains volume. Spend a few extra minutes on the lower part, where the tree has to be widest, and on the tip, where the topper goes. With a structure already rich in branches the result is a full, natural fir; the following year, when you open it like an umbrella, the branches return to the shape you gave them.
Yes. The stand is included and it is made of metal.
By shaping the lowest branches outwards and downwards, the stand is almost completely hidden. If you want to hide it completely, a tree collar or a tree skirt finishes the job.
Fir. The shape everyone recognises as a Christmas tree is that of the fir: a conical outline, branches arranged in tiers, short, dense needles. Our artificial trees reproduce the fir: the shape of a fir grown in the open, wider at the base, PE needles with the veins of real ones. The pine has long, soft needles and a more open crown: it is another tree, with another effect.
Pre-lit Christmas trees
For the amount of light, for the position and for the time. Lights added by hand illuminate only the outside of the tree; in our pre-lit trees the LED lights are fixed to the branches deep inside too, so the light comes from within the crown, brings out the fullness and gives the tree a depth you only get this way. And there are a lot of them: 3250 LED lights at 180 cm, 4950 at 210 cm, 7100 at 240 cm, 8250 at 270 cm, spread from base to tip. And the time: you open it, connect the three sections with their plugs, a single cord goes to the socket, and the tree is lit as soon as it arrives.
If your tree is green or snow-covered, start from the trunk and work outwards: wind the string deep inside, branch by branch, from the bottom up, and leave the tips for last, so the light comes from inside the crown and the wire stays hidden. Allow about 100 LED lights for every 30 cm of height for a full effect: a 210 needs at least 700. Choose warm white, which goes well with gold, red and copper decorations and with snow. If you want to skip all this, the pre-lit tree arrives with the LED lights already built into the crown.
The others stay lit: every LED is independent. If a whole section goes out, check the connection between the parts of the tree, each of which has its own plug, and write to us: we handle support ourselves and the warranty covers 2 years.
Warm white. A warm white light that goes well with gold, red and copper decorations and with natural tones. The 180 has steady light; the 210, the 240 and the 270 have a controller on the cord with 8 modes, in the order they come as you press the button: all effects, waves, sequential, alternating, chasing, fade, twinkle and steady on. To switch it on and off at a set time, a timer socket is all you need.
One. The tree is in three sections, each with its own plug: they connect to each other and a single cord goes to the socket. Behind the tree there is only one cord.
Snow-covered Christmas trees
No. The snow, also called flocking, is applied to the branches in production, thicker on the tips and on the upper side of every branch, where snow really settles, and it is fixed there: during assembly, decorating and folding in January the house stays clean and the tree comes back every year with its snow. When you first assemble it, open and shape the branches with an open hand, as you would with a real branch.
Decorations and photos
With a few rules and a full tree underneath. Choose two colours plus one metallic, for example red and green with gold, or white and champagne with silver, and stick to them. Use baubles in three sizes: the large ones, 10 cm, deep inside near the trunk, the medium ones on the crown, the small ones on the tips, so the tree has depth and the light bounces inside. Put the lights on first, then the garlands and tinsel from top to bottom, then the baubles, and the details last: bows, pine cones, the topper. On a tree that is full from base to tip the ornaments rest on the branches and stay where you put them. Our Christmas baubles and garlands are chosen to go together, colour by colour.
No. The photos show the tree decorated so you can see the final effect. In the box you will find the tree and the stand; and, in the pre-lit trees, the LED lights already fitted as well. Baubles, garlands, topper and strings of lights are bought separately.
Orders, shipping, returns, warranty
Here, on our website, with home delivery in Italy and across Europe: in a big city or in a small town, the tree arrives the same way. Shipping is free and dispatch is guaranteed within 5 days of the order confirmation, with an express courier and a tracking number. On the website, for every size, you will find the height, the base diameter, the number of branches and LED lights, the photos and the reviews of people who already have it at home: so you order with confidence. When a size sells out, it comes back the following year: those who choose early find everything.
You can pay by credit or debit card, PayPal or PayPlug. Payment is handled on secure platforms: your card details are handled directly by the payment system and we do not store them.
We dispatch within 5 days of the order confirmation, with an express courier and free shipping in Italy and in Europe: when the parcel leaves, you receive the tracking number. Transit times depend on the destination. In the Christmas season we recommend ordering early: those who choose early find everything.
Yes, Giulia Grillo Christmas trees are designed for safe use in the home. The materials are designed to be stable, sturdy and also suitable for homes with children, provided the product is always used in line with the normal assembly and safety instructions. The models are made with certified flame-retardant materials.
To return a product, write to info@giuliagrillo.com or use the form on the Request for withdrawal page, stating the order number and the product: we reply with the instructions. For orders placed from 1 September to 23 December you can return them until 23 December and, in any case, you always have at least 14 days from delivery. You pay the cost of the return shipping; the refund is made with the same payment method used for the purchase. All the conditions are on the Shipments and returns page.
In a single box, with the weight given for every size: the 150 cm green tree weighs 7.5 kg; the 180, 12 kg; the 210, 16 kg; the 240, 25 kg; the 270, 31 kg; the snow-covered 180 weighs 12.3 kg and the snow-covered 210 18.5 kg; the 210 cm pre-lit tree weighs 17.4 kg; the 240, 26 kg; the 270, 35.5 kg. The box dimensions are on each tree's product page. The courier delivers to the ground floor; for the large sizes it helps to have a second pair of hands to carry it inside.
Yes. The 240 and the 270 are the sizes chosen for lobbies, shop windows and function rooms, because they can be seen from afar and hold large decorations; for offices and entrances the 180 and the 210 are the right choice. For several trees, for a complete display or for a trade supply with an invoice, write to us: we reply with a proposal.
The warranty covers 2 years from delivery: structure, umbrella opening, branches and, in the pre-lit trees, the lighting system. For any problem write to us with the order number and a photo: we handle support ourselves.
Decorative plants
A semi-natural plant is a decorative plant made of natural and artificial elements. It usually has a real, natural trunk combined with high-quality artificial leaves. This combination gives a very realistic effect: the trunk brings authenticity, grain and natural irregularities, while the artificial foliage always keeps its shape, colour and volume over time, with no need for daily care.
A preserved plant, also called a stabilised plant, is a real plant that has gone through a special conservation process. During this treatment the natural sap is replaced with a stabilising solution that lets the plant keep its colour, softness and natural look over time. Unlike an artificial plant, a preserved plant therefore starts life as a real plant, but it no longer needs water, light or ordinary maintenance.
No. Semi-natural plants need no light and no water: the foliage is artificial and the natural trunk has a decorative function. Preserved plants stay as they were at the time of the treatment and only need a suitable spot: indoors, dry, away from sources of heat, humidity and direct sunlight. Every now and then, a gentle dusting.
Yes, if used correctly, both keep their decorative value over time. Semi-natural plants keep their colour and shape because the leaves are made of durable artificial materials designed to last. Preserved plants keep their natural look thanks to the preservation process, but they must be kept in the right conditions, avoiding water, humidity and direct sun. In both cases, it is enough to remove the dust gently from time to time.
It stays green because the foliage is artificial: the leaves stay as they were on the first day, with the same colour and the same shape, and they need no light and no water. The realism comes from the combination of a real natural trunk and quality artificial leaves, which give the plant an authentic, always tidy look.
A preserved plant keeps its colour and natural look thanks to the preservation process. The sap is replaced with a conserving solution that lets the plant keep its original softness, shape and tone. To keep it at its best, do not water it, keep it out of direct sun and keep it away from very humid rooms. In the right conditions, it keeps a natural, elegant look for a long time.
Only plants marked UVR are designed for greater resistance to sunlight. If the product page carries the UVR mark, the plant is made with materials more resistant to sun exposure and can also be used outdoors or in semi-outdoor spaces, always considering the conditions of exposure. Without the UVR mark, the plant is recommended mainly for indoor use or for sheltered spaces, such as verandas, covered porches, entrances or spaces not directly exposed to strong sun, rain and the weather. Preserved plants are generally recommended for indoors and must not be exposed to direct sun, water or high humidity.
Yes, every plant comes with a neutral pot included, with the plant already potted in it. The pot has a mainly technical, supporting function, designed to keep the plant stable. For a more elegant result, we recommend placing it inside a decorative planter or a larger ornamental pot, chosen according to the style of the room.