How to Fluff an Artificial Christmas Tree So That It Looks More Natural (2024)

Equipment / Tools

How to Fluff a Christmas Tree

1. Gather Your Gear

   You don't need a high-tech kit to fluff a Christmas tree. Just some tools to clean up any rogue fake needles that come off during the process, gloves, and a long-sleeved top to protect you from scratchy wire branches.

   Do the fluffing in the room where you're displaying the tree but in a spot where it's going to be easy to sweep or vacuum up any shed needles.

   

   See Also

   Why is my Potted Christmas Tree Losing Needles and Turning Brown?

2. Start With the Bottom Branches

   Work your way up methodically from the bottom, fluffing the widest branches first. It makes it easier to see what you're working with and saves you from missing any as you go.

   

   Tip

   If you have a pre-lit tree, turning on the lights before fluffing will help you to identify gaps.

3. Spread the Branch Fronds

   Loosen the branches by giving them a gentle shake before you start full-on fluffing.

   Fan out the branches on each section fully. Often artificial trees have three branches per main stem. Take care to work on a single branch at a time for an even result at the end. Repeat this step for all the pieces, and you'll already notice your tree looking fuller.

   For tall trees with a separate top section, fan out the branches before you place it on the central pole. It's easier to work with it unattached.

   

4. Fluff From the Inside

   The fronds may still look a bit flat at this stage. Don't worry, though, as this is when the major fluffing commences.

   Get your hands right in amongst the branches of the tree and ruffle them from the inside, moving your way gradually outwards. Again, work from the bottom branches upwards so you don't miss any.

   

5. Bend the Branches

   Add a kink to the tip of every branch to give your tree an even more authentic appearance. Rather than all the branches being upswept, vary the direction they bend to fill any gaps. Have some facing up and others curving downward slightly.
   

   Displaying any heavy Christmas tree decorations on the upward-turning branches means there's no risk of them sliding off and getting damaged.

   Tip

   At this point, you'll want to add the top branch sections to a tall tree — you might need a step stool or ladder to reach it. Putting it on earlier only makes your fluffing job more tricky.

   

6. Assess for Evenness

   Take a step back and give your tree a good once over. Does it look full and even from every angle? If there are any gaps, uneven sections, or patchiness, reposition the branches and give them an extra fluff-up.

   

7. Camouflage Flaws

   If your trusty tree has been in the family for decades, there might be some thinning, holes, or patches that no amount of fluffing will fill in.

   Don't despair, though. You might not have to ditch that treasured family heirloom just yet.

   Some strategically placed larger decorations, garlands, extra branches, and ribbons can cover up any problematic patches. Conceal the tree stand with a tree skirt or collar that will give the bottom of the tree a fuller appearance.

   

8. Store Sensibly to Reduce Fluffing the Following Year

   Don't try to stuff your Christmas tree back in its original box. Use a tree-storage bag instead. It will protect your tree from dust and sun damage, and you won't have to squash it down so flat that you lose all that hard-earned plumping. You'll still need to fluff your Christmas tree come the next holiday, but hopefully less than when it came fresh out of the box.

   Tip

   Remember to clean your artificial Christmas tree before you put it back into storage. A build-up of dust and debris means your tree won't fluff up as effectively.

   

How do you make a Christmas tree look fuller?

You can make an artificial Christmas tree look fuller by fluffing each branch before you decorate it. You can also add volume to a sparse real or faux tree with fillers such as fluffy garlands, ribbons, bows, picks, or by filling in the gaps with extra real or faux branches to create a fuller effect.

How do you fluff an artificial Christmas tree?

To fluff an artificial Christmas tree, separate the branches of each section so that you can work on one branch at a time for a consistent final result. Start at the bottom of the tree and work your way up, fluffing each branch with a brush. Then go back in with your hands and continue fluffing the tree from the inside outward until you achieve a natural, realistic result.