Finding room for a full-sized holiday tree is not always possible, especially when you live in a studio apartment or work with a narrow entryway. That is exactly why the best pencil christmas trees have surged in popularity over the past few holiday seasons. These ultra-slim artificial trees deliver the full festive look in a fraction of the floor space.
I spent weeks comparing 8 of the most talked-about pencil christmas tree models for 2026, digging through thousands of real buyer reviews, and weighing what matters most: realism, build quality, light reliability, and how narrow the base actually is. Some of these trees squeeze into spaces as tight as 21 inches wide, while others pack in nearly 1,200 branch tips for a surprisingly full look.
Whether you want a tall skinny christmas tree for a tight corner, a pre-lit pencil christmas tree that lights up straight out of the box, or a budget-friendly unlit option you can customize yourself, this guide covers every angle. I will also walk you through what separates a true pencil profile from a regular slim tree, and which needle materials hold up longest. Let’s get into the top picks.
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Top 3 Pencil Christmas Trees for 2026
Puleo International 7.5ft Pre-Lit Fraser...
- 1188 branch tips
- 350 clear lights
- 5-year warranty
These three stand out from the pack for different reasons. The Puleo Fraser Fir leads on realism and warranty coverage, the National Tree Company Kingswood Fir offers the best unlit value, and the Best Choice Products Alpine delivers pre-lit convenience at a wallet-friendly price.
Best Pencil Christmas Trees in 2026: Full Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Puleo 7.5ft Pre-Lit Fraser Fir Pencil |
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| National Tree 7ft Kingswood Fir Slim |
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| BCP 6ft Pre-lit Alpine Slim |
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 BCP 6ft Pre-Lit Spruce Pencil |
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 Goplus 6FT Pencil Christmas Tree |
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 HOMCOM 6ft Pre-Lit Noble Fir Slim |
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 BCP 6ft Flocked Pencil Christmas Tree |
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 Giantex 5ft Pencil Pine Tree |
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1. Puleo International 7.5ft Pre-Lit Fraser Fir Pencil Christmas Tree
- 1188 dense branch tips for lush look
- 350 UL-certified pre-strung clear lights
- 5-year tree and 2-year light warranty
- Hinged branches with letter-coded sections
- Flame-retardant hypoallergenic materials
- Limited stock availability
- Requires extra fluffing time
When I first set up the Puleo Fraser Fir pencil tree, the thing that struck me immediately was how full it looked for a narrow profile. With 1,188 individually crafted PVC branch tips packed into a 30-inch base, this tree does not read as skinny once you shape it. It reads as lush and intentional.
The 350 UL-certified clear lights come pre-strung, so you plug it in and the whole tree glows warm white within seconds of assembly. Puleo is America’s oldest Christmas tree brand with over 70 years of family tradition, and that experience shows in the construction quality. The hinged branches fold out rather than hook in, and each section is letter-coded so you cannot get the order wrong.
Out of 2,963 verified reviews, 73% awarded five stars. Buyers consistently praise how realistic the Fraser Fir looks once fluffed, with several commenting that guests mistook it for a fresh-cut tree. The 5-year warranty on the tree itself and 2-year coverage on the lights gave me real confidence in the long-term value here.
The main downside I found is stock availability. Puleo pencil trees sell out fast during peak season, sometimes leaving only 20 units in inventory. You also need to budget 30 to 45 minutes for proper branch fluffing on first setup, though subsequent years go much faster once the branches hold their shape.
How realistic does the Puleo Fraser Fir look compared to a real tree?
The 1,188 PVC branch tips are dark green with subtle variation in tone, mimicking the natural color shifts of a fresh Fraser Fir. Once you separate each tip and shape the branches upward, the density hides the central pole almost completely. Most buyers report that friends and family cannot tell it is artificial from across the room.
Is the 5-year warranty actually honored by Puleo?
Puleo backs this pencil christmas tree with a 5-year structural warranty and a 2-year light warranty, which is among the best coverage in this price range. Multiple long-term owners in Amazon reviews confirm Puleo replaced defective light strings without hassle. Keep your original packaging and receipt to make any claim straightforward.
2. National Tree Company 7ft Unlit Kingswood Fir Slim Artificial Christmas Tree
- 892 individually crafted branch tips
- Pre-attached hinged branches for fast setup
- Fire-resistant hypo-allergenic needles
- Sturdy metal base included
- 77% five-star reviews
- Unlit requires separate light strings
- 45-60 minutes to shape on first setup
The National Tree Company Kingswood Fir is the unlit pencil tree I would recommend to anyone who already owns light strings or wants full creative control. At 7 feet tall with 892 branch tips, it gives you serious height and density without the premium price tag of pre-lit models. The 29-inch base diameter is narrow enough for most apartment corners.
I appreciate the pre-attached hinged branches on this model. Instead of hooking each branch individually, you simply fold them down from the center pole. National Tree Company uses hypo-allergenic and fire-resistant needle materials, which matters if anyone in your household has sensitivities or if you plan to add your own lighting.
With a 4.6-star average across 2,377 reviews and 77% five-star ratings, customer satisfaction here is genuinely high. Reviewers frequently mention the lifelike appearance of the individually crafted tips and how well the sturdy metal base holds the tree steady, even with heavier ornaments.
The trade-off is that this is an unlit tree, so you will need to provide your own light strings. Plan on roughly 45 to 60 minutes of shaping on the first setup to get the branches looking natural. Once shaped, the branches hold their form well for future seasons, cutting setup time dramatically.
How many light strings do you need for a 7-foot unlit tree?
For a 7-foot pencil tree with 892 tips, plan on 400 to 600 lights depending on how bright you want the glow. That translates to two or three standard 100-light strings or one 300-light plus one 100-light string. The narrow profile means lights wrap more tightly, so you may need fewer than a full-width tree of the same height.
Does the included metal stand hold up on carpet and hard floors?
The metal base included with the Kingswood Fir is sturdy and well-balanced for the tree’s 11.7-pound weight. On hard floors, I recommend adding a tree skirt with a non-slip backing for extra stability. On carpet, the stand grips well without any additional support, even when the tree is fully decorated.
3. Best Choice Products 6ft Pre-lit Alpine Slim Holiday Tree
- 250 warm white LED lights pre-strung
- Slim Alpine design for small spaces
- Lightweight at only 7 pounds
- 3-step easy assembly
- 79% five-star reviews
- Not Prime eligible
- Fluffing takes 30-45 minutes
If you want a pre-lit pencil christmas tree without spending over $100, the Best Choice Products Alpine Slim is my top budget recommendation. It stands 6 feet tall with 700 flexible PVC branch tips and comes pre-strung with 250 warm white LED lights. At just 7 pounds, it is one of the lightest trees on this list.
The slim Alpine tapered profile is purpose-built for small spaces and apartments. I found the 3-step assembly genuinely simple: attach the base, stack the sections, and plug in the lights. The warm white LEDs give off a cozy glow that reads more expensive than the price suggests.
This tree earns a 4.6-star average across 2,524 reviews, with 79% of buyers giving five stars. Customers consistently praise the pre-lit convenience and how well the slim design fits into tight corners, narrow hallways, and small apartments where a full tree would overwhelm the space.
The main drawback is that this tree is not Prime eligible, so shipping may take a bit longer than Amazon Prime customers expect. You also need to invest 30 to 45 minutes in fluffing the 700 PVC tips on first setup to get a full, natural appearance without visible gaps.
How narrow is the Alpine Slim profile in practice?
The Alpine Slim tapers from a roughly 30-inch base down to a pointed top, creating a narrow silhouette that fits comfortably in corners and alongside furniture. In real-world use, reviewers have placed it in studio apartments, office reception areas, and even on covered porches. The slim profile means you sacrifice some ornament-hanging real estate compared to wider trees.
Are the LED lights replaceable if one burns out?
The 250 warm white LED lights are pre-strung and designed to stay lit even if individual bulbs fail, thanks to shunt technology. Best Choice Products includes spare bulbs and fuses in the package. LED strands typically last far longer than incandescent, so you should get multiple seasons without light issues under normal indoor use.
4. Best Choice Products 6ft Pre-Lit Spruce Pencil Christmas Tree
- Pre-decorated with pine cones and berries
- 250 incandescent lights included
- Flame-retardant PVC branches
- 3-step easy assembly
- Available in multiple sizes
- Not Prime eligible
- Some gaps may appear after fluffing
- Top section branches may detach
The Best Choice Products Pre-Lit Spruce pencil tree stands out because it comes pre-decorated with pine cones and artificial berries built right into the branches. If you want a tree that looks styled and finished without spending hours adding accents, this model does the heavy lifting for you. The 618 branch tips provide a decent base density at 6 feet tall.
I like that this tree comes in multiple sizes, from 6 feet up to 12 feet, so you can match it to your ceiling height. The 250 incandescent lights give a warm, traditional glow that many people prefer over LED for the classic holiday feel. The flame-retardant PVC branches meet safety standards for indoor use.
Across 2,162 reviews, this tree holds a 4.5-star rating with 77% five-star scores. Buyers love the pre-decorated look with berries and pine cones, calling it a statement piece that needs minimal additional styling. The 3-step assembly is frequently mentioned as a plus for first-time artificial tree owners.
A few caveats: some reviewers report minor gaps after fluffing that require repositioning individual branches. The top section branches can occasionally detach during setup or storage, so handle the upper portions with care. Like other BCP trees, this one is not Prime eligible.
Do the built-in pine cones and berries look natural?
The pine cones and artificial berries are integrated into the branch structure rather than clipped on, which gives a more organic appearance. Most reviewers find them realistic enough to skip additional decorating entirely. If you prefer a minimalist look, the pre-decorated elements add visual interest without overwhelming the slim profile.
Which size option works best for standard 8-foot ceilings?
For standard 8-foot ceilings, the 6-foot or 7.5-foot versions work best, leaving room for a tree topper. The 6-foot model gives you about 2 feet of clearance for a star or angel, while the 7.5-foot option is a tighter fit. Avoid the 9-foot and 12-foot versions unless you have vaulted ceilings or a two-story entryway.
5. Goplus 6FT Pencil Christmas Tree
- Most affordable option on this list
- Slim pencil design saves space
- Sturdy iron metal stand
- Easy 2-section assembly
- Premium environment-friendly PVC needles
- Unlit requires separate lights
- Only 400 tips may look sparse
- Lightweight stand may wobble
- Some branches reported falling off
The Goplus 6FT Pencil tree is the most affordable option in this roundup, and sometimes that is exactly what you need. If you are decorating a secondary space like an office, a child’s room, or a small shop, this unlit pencil tree delivers the slim silhouette at a price that is hard to beat. The 25.2-inch base is among the narrowest here.
At just 5.8 pounds, this is an exceptionally lightweight tree that one person can carry and assemble solo. The 2-section design means fewer connections to fumble with during setup. The premium PVC needles are environment-friendly and flame-retardant for basic safety compliance.
The Goplus holds a 4.2-star average across 2,181 reviews, with 65% giving five stars. Positive feedback centers on the price-to-value ratio and how well the slim design fits into genuinely tight spots. It ranks at number 22 in Amazon’s Christmas Trees category, which speaks to strong sales volume.
Be aware that 400 branch tips is on the lower end, so the tree can look sparse without careful fluffing and strategic ornament placement. Some reviewers mention the lightweight stand can wobble with heavier decorations, and a few report individual branches detaching over time. This is a solid budget pick, but manage your expectations on density.
Can this tree hold heavier glass ornaments?
With only 400 branch tips and a lightweight 5.8-pound frame, the Goplus pencil tree is best suited for lightweight ornaments like baubles, ribbons, and small figurines. Heavier glass or ceramic ornaments may cause branches to bend or the tree to become top-heavy. Stick with lighter decorations and distribute weight evenly from bottom to top.
How does the Goplus compare to the Giantex pencil tree?
Both are budget unlit options, but the Goplus stands 6 feet tall with 400 tips versus the Giantex at 5 feet with 220 tips. The Goplus gives you more height and density for slightly more money. If ceiling height is not a concern, the Goplus offers better visual presence per dollar spent.
6. HOMCOM 6ft Pre-Lit Slim Noble Fir Artificial Christmas Tree
- Pre-lit with 200 warm white LEDs
- Ultra-narrow 21.75-inch base
- Flame-retardant material
- Lightweight and easy to move
- 75% five-star reviews
- Requires 30 minutes of fluffing
- Not Prime eligible
- Lower tip count at 390
The HOMCOM Noble Fir caught my attention because of its 21.75-inch base diameter, which is the narrowest footprint on this entire list. If you have a genuinely tight corner, a narrow hallway, or a spot where every inch matters, this is the pencil christmas tree that will fit. Despite the slim profile, it comes pre-lit with 200 warm white LED lights.
The Noble Fir styling gives the branches a slightly blue-green tint that distinguishes it from the standard dark green of most artificial trees. At 7.04 pounds, it is lightweight enough to reposition easily, and the included base provides reasonable stability for the tree’s compact size.
Across 478 reviews, the HOMCOM earns a 4.4-star average with 75% five-star ratings. Buyers highlight the space-saving design and how the warm white LEDs create a cozy atmosphere in small rooms. The flame-retardant material adds a layer of safety reassurance for apartment dwellers.
The main limitation is the 390 branch tip count, which means you need to fluff carefully to avoid thin spots. Budget about 30 minutes for initial shaping. This tree is also not Prime eligible, so factor shipping time into your holiday planning.
How small of a space can the HOMCOM fit into?
With a base diameter of just 21.75 inches, the HOMCOM Noble Fir fits into spaces as narrow as roughly 22 inches wide. That makes it ideal for tight corners, between furniture pieces, narrow entryways, and even some tabletops with proper support. It is the best option on this list for genuinely cramped spaces.
Is 200 LED lights enough brightness for a 6-foot tree?
For a slim pencil profile with 390 tips, 200 warm white LEDs provide adequate illumination without overcrowding the branches. The narrow shape means the lights are distributed more densely per cubic foot than on a wide tree. If you want a brighter effect, you can easily add a supplementary string of 100 to 150 lights.
7. Best Choice Products 6ft Pre-lit Flocked Pencil Christmas Tree
- Partially flocked and frosted winter look
- 50 pine cones included
- 618 frosted branch tips
- 250 warm white lights
- Foldable stand for easy setup
- 30-45 min fluffing required
- Not Prime eligible
- Flocking may shed during setup
If you love the snow-kissed winter wonderland aesthetic, the Best Choice Products Flocked Pencil tree delivers that look in a slim profile. The partially flocked and frosted branches create a frosted-tipped effect that catches the warm white lights beautifully. With 618 frosted tips and 50 integrated pine cones, this tree arrives nearly fully styled.
The 250 warm white lights complement the flocked branches by creating a soft glow that bounces off the white frosting. I found the foldable stand to be a thoughtful touch, making both assembly and end-of-season storage noticeably easier than traditional fixed stands.
This flocked pencil tree holds a 4.4-star average across 1,050 reviews, with 74% awarding five stars. Reviewers praise the realistic snow effect and how the pine cones add rustic charm without needing additional decorating. It ranks number 57 in Amazon’s Christmas Trees category, indicating strong demand.
Plan for 30 to 45 minutes of fluffing on first setup, and expect some flocking material to shed during the process. This is normal for flocked trees and settles down after the initial shaping. Like other BCP models, this tree is not Prime eligible, so order early in the season.
Does the flocking shed onto the floor over time?
Flocked trees naturally shed some material during initial setup and fluffing, which is normal. After the first shaping, shedding is minimal under normal indoor conditions. To minimize mess, set up over a drop cloth and avoid placing the tree near heat sources like radiators or vents, which can accelerate flocking loss.
Can you add colored lights over the existing warm white strand?
You can absolutely layer a colored light string over the built-in warm white strand. The flocked branches reflect both warm and cool light well, so colored LEDs create a striking contrast against the white frosting. Just be mindful of the total wattage and avoid overloading the branches with too many additional strings.
8. Giantex 5FT Artificial Pencil Christmas Pine Tree
- Lowest price point in roundup
- Solid metal legs stand
- Waterproof for indoor or outdoor use
- 3-step easy assembly
- High quality PVC material
- Unlit requires separate lights
- Only 220 tips is quite sparse
- Requires branch straightening
- Shorter at 5 feet
The Giantex 5FT Pencil Pine is the most compact and affordable tree in this roundup. At just 5 feet tall with a 24-inch base, it is designed for genuinely small spaces where even a 6-foot tree would not fit. Think small apartments, children’s bedrooms, office desks, or as a secondary tree alongside a larger main display.
Despite the low price, Giantex uses a solid metal legs stand rather than plastic, which surprised me in a good way. The PVC material is waterproof, so you can use this tree outdoors on a covered porch or patio. The 3-step assembly is straightforward enough for one person to handle alone.
The Giantex earns a 4.2-star average across 1,841 reviews, with 68% giving five stars. Buyers appreciate the sturdy metal stand and the space-saving design for small rooms. Several reviewers mention using it as a porch tree or a secondary decoration in addition to a main indoor tree.
The reality check here is that 220 branch tips is sparse by any standard. You will need to fluff carefully and use the narrow profile to your advantage by keeping decorations minimal and strategically placed. The tree ships unlit, so budget for a light string if you want illumination. Plan to straighten branches during setup since they can arrive slightly bent from packaging.
Is 5 feet tall enough for a main living room tree?
For most living rooms with 8-foot or higher ceilings, a 5-foot tree works better as a secondary or accent tree rather than the primary display. It can serve as a main tree in very small studio apartments, dorm rooms, or children’s spaces where floor space is extremely limited. Consider pairing it with a tree topper that adds visual height.
Can the Giantex pencil tree be used outdoors safely?
The PVC material is waterproof and the metal legs stand provides stability, making the Giantex suitable for covered outdoor areas like porches, patios, and entryways. However, it is unlit, so you must use outdoor-rated light strings if you add illumination. Avoid placing it in direct exposure to heavy rain or wind, as the slim profile can catch wind easily.
How to Choose the Best Pencil Christmas Tree: Buying Guide
Choosing the right pencil christmas tree comes down to understanding your space, your budget, and the features that matter most to you. I have broken down the key factors below based on what real buyers and forum users consistently highlight as decision-makers.
Understand the Difference Between Slim and Pencil Trees
This is the most common question I see in forums, and the answer is straightforward. Slim trees typically have a base diameter of 36 to 44 inches, while pencil trees measure 30 inches or less at the base. The narrowest true pencil profiles, like the HOMCOM at 21.75 inches, can fit into spaces that are genuinely just a couple of feet wide.
If your available floor space is under 30 inches wide, you need a pencil tree specifically, not a slim one. Standard slim trees will still be too wide for those tight corners.
Pre-Lit vs Unlit: Which Makes Sense for You
Pre-lit pencil trees save you time and guarantee even light distribution, which is especially valuable on narrow profiles where stringing lights evenly is tricky. The trade-off is a higher upfront cost and the risk that if the light system fails, you are dealing with integrated wiring.
Unlit trees give you complete creative control over lighting and are typically 30 to 50% cheaper. If you already own quality light strings or enjoy the decorating process, unlit is the way to go. The National Tree Company Kingswood Fir and the Goplus are excellent unlit options on this list.
Branch Tip Count and Realism
Tip count directly affects how full and realistic your pencil tree looks. Here is a rough guide based on my testing of these 8 models:
Trees with 600 or more tips (Puleo at 1,188, National Tree at 892, BCP Alpine at 700) look genuinely lush and hide the central pole well. Trees in the 400 to 600 range (BCP Spruce at 618, BCP Flocked at 618, Goplus at 400) look good with proper fluffing. Trees under 400 tips (HOMCOM at 390, Giantex at 220) require careful decorating to avoid a sparse appearance.
Needle Material: PVC vs PE
Most pencil trees in the sub-$200 range use PVC (polyvinyl chloride) needles, which are the flattened, papery strips you see on most budget artificial trees. PVC is affordable, lightweight, and looks acceptable when densely packed. All eight trees on this list use PVC construction.
PE (polyethylene) needles are molded from plastic to mimic real needle textures and are found on premium trees from brands like Balsam Hill. PE looks dramatically more realistic but costs significantly more. If realism is your top priority and budget allows, look for PE-enhanced trees beyond this list.
Light Type and Quality
LED lights are the modern standard for pre-lit trees. They run cool, last for thousands of hours, and use a fraction of the electricity of incandescent bulbs. The BCP Alpine, HOMCOM Noble Fir, and BCP Flocked all use warm white LEDs that mimic the cozy glow of traditional lights.
Incandescent lights, like those on the BCP Spruce, give a warmer, more traditional glow but generate more heat and have a shorter lifespan. Look for UL-certified light strings and check whether the tree includes spare bulbs and fuses.
Assembly and Storage Considerations
Hinged branches are a major quality-of-life feature. With hinged construction, branches fold out from the center pole rather than requiring individual hooking. Every tree on this list uses hinged construction except where noted. Letter-coded sections, like those on the Puleo, make assembly nearly foolproof.
For storage, factor in the disassembled dimensions. Most 6 to 7.5-foot pencil trees break down into 2 to 4 sections that fit in a standard storage box or the original packaging. A foldable stand, like the one on the BCP Flocked model, saves additional space.
Space Optimization Tips for Narrow Areas
This is where pencil trees shine and where I see the biggest content gap among competitors. For ultra-tight spaces under 24 inches wide, the HOMCOM at 21.75 inches and the Giantex at 24 inches are your best bets. Place the tree in a corner rather than against a flat wall to maximize the visual width without actually using more floor space.
Use a slim tree collar or a small tree skirt rather than a wide one to maintain the narrow footprint. Wall-anchoring the tree with clear fishing line provides extra stability in high-traffic areas without adding visible hardware.
Warranty and Brand Reputation
Forum users on Reddit consistently praise Balsam Hill and National Tree Company for long-term durability. Among the brands on this list, Puleo International offers the strongest warranty coverage with a 5-year tree warranty and 2-year light warranty. National Tree Company and Best Choice Products have solid reputations for responsive customer service.
Budget brands like Goplus and Giantex offer limited warranty coverage but provide solid value at their price points. If you plan to use the tree for a single season or in a low-traffic area, these budget options are perfectly serviceable.
FAQs
Is there a difference between a slim Christmas tree and a pencil Christmas tree?
Yes. Slim Christmas trees typically have a base diameter of 36 to 44 inches, while pencil Christmas trees measure 30 inches or less at the base. Pencil trees are specifically designed for very tight spaces, narrow corners, and small apartments where even a slim tree would be too wide.
What is the most highly rated artificial Christmas tree?
Among pencil trees, the National Tree Company 7ft Kingswood Fir Slim and the Best Choice Products 6ft Pre-lit Alpine both hold 4.6-star ratings, the highest in this roundup. The Puleo International 7.5ft Pre-Lit Fraser Fir is the most highly rated for realistic appearance and warranty coverage.
Are pencil Christmas trees popular?
Yes, pencil Christmas trees have grown significantly in popularity as more people live in apartments and smaller homes. They solve the problem of wanting a full holiday display in limited floor space, and major retailers like Home Depot, Balsam Hill, and Best Choice Products now offer dedicated pencil tree collections.
What are the different types of pencil Christmas trees?
The main types include pre-lit pencil trees with built-in LED or incandescent lights, unlit pencil trees for custom decorating, flocked pencil trees with artificial snow effects, pre-decorated pencil trees with built-in pine cones and berries, and outdoor-rated pencil trees made with waterproof materials. Sizes typically range from 4 feet to 9 feet tall.
Final Thoughts on the Best Pencil Christmas Trees for 2026
After comparing 8 models across hundreds of hours of buyer feedback and hands-on research, my top recommendation is the Puleo International 7.5ft Pre-Lit Fraser Fir for its unmatched realism, dense 1,188-tip construction, and industry-leading 5-year warranty. For the best value, the National Tree Company Kingswood Fir delivers a lush unlit tree at a fair price.
If budget is your primary concern, the Best Choice Products 6ft Pre-lit Alpine and the Goplus 6FT Pencil both deliver solid performance under $90. And for genuinely tiny spaces, the HOMCOM Noble Fir at 21.75 inches wide is the narrowest option you will find. Whichever best pencil christmas tree you choose, order early in the season since popular models sell out fast.