Real Christmas trees fill the air with fresh pine scents and, depending on where you shop, buying them often supports local tree farms. They shed a lot, though, creating a mess that’s not fun to clean after the holiday season . If you’re looking to avoid the hassle of buying and maintaining a new one every year, an artificial Christmas tree may be the answer. And since buying one is a long-term investment, it’s important to purchase one you love that also works in your space.

For those who don’t want to deal with a real tree, I talked to experts about how to shop for a quality artificial Christmas tree and rounded up some of the best options based on their advice. I also asked experts about the environmental impact of Christmas trees, and what those with allergies and pets specifically should be aware of before buying one.

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