Artificial trees are synthetic products that imitate the appearance and structure of natural trees, and are often used for decoration, landscaping, or environmental purposes. Artificial trees have a long history that dates back to the 19th century, but they became more popular in different periods and regions depending on various factors.
Artificial trees were first developed in Germany during the 1880s, as a response to the deforestation caused by the high demand for natural Christmas trees. These artificial trees were made of dyed goose feathers attached to wire branches, and they were called feather trees. Feather trees became popular in Germany and other parts of Europe, and they were also introduced to the United States by German immigrants. Feather trees remained popular until the early 20th century, when they were replaced by other types of artificial trees.
One of the first alternatives to feather trees was the brush tree, which was invented by a British company called Addis Housewares in the 1930s. The brush tree was made of the same animal-hair bristles used in toilet brushes, dyed green and twisted into branches. The brush tree was more durable and realistic than the feather tree, and it could also hold more ornaments. The brush tree became popular in Britain and other countries, especially during World War II, when natural trees were scarce.
Another type of artificial tree that gained popularity in the 1950s was the aluminum tree, which was first manufactured in Chicago in 1958. The aluminum tree was made of shiny metal foil strips attached to a metal pole, and it was often illuminated by a rotating color wheel. The aluminum tree appealed to many people who wanted a modern and futuristic look for their Christmas decorations. The aluminum tree reached its peak of popularity in the early 1960s, but it declined after 1965, when a TV special called A Charlie Brown Christmas criticized it as a symbol of the commercialization of Christmas.
The most common type of artificial tree today is the plastic tree, which is usually made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE). PVC and PE are both types of thermoplastic polymers that can be molded into different shapes and colors. PVC is the older and cheaper material, while PE is the newer and more expensive material. Plastic trees are more realistic and flexible than metal or feather trees, and they can also be pre-lit with LED lights or fiber optics. Plastic trees became popular in the 1980s, and they have maintained their popularity since then. Plastic trees are widely available in different sizes, shapes, styles, and prices, and they can be used for various occasions and settings.
