{"id":2053732,"date":"2024-10-09T18:59:44","date_gmt":"2024-10-09T23:59:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=2053732"},"modified":"2024-12-13T11:22:24","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T17:22:24","slug":"frontgate-christmas-tree-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/frontgate-christmas-tree-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Frontgate Christmas Tree Review: This Classic Fraser Fir Tree Is Better Than the Real Deal"},"content":{"rendered":"Next to Christmas cookies<\/a>, Christmas trees are one of the most important harbingers of the holiday season. While many folks prefer to use a real tree for their festivities, modern artificial Christmas trees<\/a> look just like the real deal. Besides keeping allergies at bay, they sometimes offer additional features, like built-in programmable lights and other merry surprises. Plus, no pesky pine needles work their way into the carpet.\r\n\r\nThe challenge, however, is finding the right one. When it comes to realistic Christmas trees, the Frontgate Classic Fraser Fir<\/a> is officially one of our favorites. This Frontgate Christmas tree is full and fluffy, surpassing our existing faux tree presumptions. But is it worth the splurge? Our expert Product Testing Team tested this stunning tree and discovered everything there is to know about this popular pick.\r\n

What is the Frontgate Christmas Tree?<\/h2>\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"We Tried It\" product_name=\"Frontgate Classic Fraser Fir Christmas Tree\" short_description=\"The Frongate Christmas tree looks just like the real deal\u2014and there are no pesky light cords lurking inside its fluffy branches.\" image=\"2060450\" image_credit=\"VIA MERCHANT\" pr_name=\"Frontgate\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.frontgate.com%2Fclassic-fraser-fir-full-profile-tree%2Fholiday-decor%2Fchristmas-trees%2F1648911\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Frontgate\" \/]\r\n\r\nAs someone who loves the holidays but can't enjoy a real tree\u00a0due to my partner's allergies, I know the importance of realistic-looking Christmas trees. Plastic-y pine needles and wimpy branches simply won't do, especially for those of us with heavy heirloom ornaments or a mountain of Christmas tree candles<\/a>. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe Classic Fraser Fir<\/a> Frontgate Christmas tree is a faux Christmas tree that mimics the classic, home-cut feel of a real one<\/span>. While the realistic trunk and fluffy branches offer a showstopping look, its gorgeous glowing lights are the real standout feature. It's also surprisingly stronger than what you'd find in a forest. Each branch tip comes reinforced with heavy-gauge steel\u2014no more broken bulbs!\r\n

Frontgate Christmas Tree\u00a0Product Features<\/h2>\r\n\"Frontgate\r\n\r\nThe Frontgate Classic Fraser Fir tree comes in 6.5-, 7.5-, 9- and 10-foot sizes. A powder-coated steel tree stand securely holds the realistic trunk in place without wobbling. The tree comes with either white lights or multicolored lights, which look lovely coupled with prismatic Christmas decor<\/a>. A handy controller sets a timer or offers a choice between a number of light modes: steady, fade, flash out (twinkle), flash warm white, flash opal and chase.\r\n\r\nUnlike many other pre-lit Christmas trees, there are no complicated hookups or tangle-prone wires. Instead, just assemble each section by inserting the pole into the top of the previous section. This automatically connects the lights to one another. Then, plug in the end of the cord, and you're ready to celebrate!\r\n

How We Tested It<\/h2>\r\n\"Hands\r\n\r\nWe tested this tree in our Product Testing Lab against 10 other options hailing from Balsam Hill, Grandin Road and other well-loved brands.\u00a0The tree arrived in two slightly beat-up boxes, but we chalk that up to a rough shipping trip. Luckily, none of the contents came damaged or missing. Inside the boxes are the stand, five tree pieces, a storage bag with gloves, lights, fuses, a remote, arm protectors and instructions for setup.\r\n

Setup<\/h3>\r\nSetup is a two-person job, especially for larger sizes like the 9-foot option. That said, it assembles rather quickly. Two of our Product Testing team members put together all five sections in roughly 13 minutes. The quick light setup really helps with speed since there's no need to hunt down connectors hidden inside the branches.\r\n\r\nDespite its height, the tree is surprisingly sturdy. The base juts out about 3 feet to ensure a wobble-free trunk, which means that some tree collars may be a bit too small to cover it. Those opting for the 9-foot version will also need a ladder for setup.\r\n

Decorating and Fluffing<\/h3>\r\nThe tree has brown branch areas, adding to its realism. The trunk is also brown, which looks much more high-end than some of the others we tested. As mentioned above, each branch tip comes with reinforced steel for additional strength. Additionally, there's no skimping on needles\u2014the number of tips ranges from 3,000 for the 6.5-foot option to a whopping 8,488 tips for the largest tree. This gives the entire tree a fluffy, full look without any unsightly gaps.\r\n\r\nSpeaking of fluffing, it only took 16 minutes for it to look really nice. It's one of the easier trees to set up since the branches are maneuverable. Given that the lights connect via the center pole, there aren't any light cords in the way. We also noticed very few needles falling out as we fluffed. Despite its fullness, the tree still holds ornaments in a variety of sizes and shapes.\r\n

Lights<\/h3>\r\nThe light cords and push button feel a little cheap, and the white lights glow a bit cooler than the soft incandescent we'd prefer for a Christmas tree. However, we love the addition of remote-controlled light effects. The lights sit deeper in the branches than the other trees we tested, which gave the entire tree a nice, soft glow. The tree hosts up to 1,700 lights, depending on the size and light color chosen.\r\n

Pros<\/h3>\r\n