Dunno about using an artificial tree(scent issues maybe???), but I would definitely put up some sort of backdrop several weeks before season...

The key to artificial cover, is to put it there weeks if not months before you'll be hunting it... The deer will question it and be leary for a few weeks, but eventually get used to it. This is the premise for box blinds.

my thought has always been to hang perhaps a fabric camo back drop on the back side of the tree... Something with a lot of light and dark variation to match the further background from their view.

I've even known guys to go as far as to put mannequins and plywood cutouts on their stands to get deer used to seeing the "blob"