How to Fluff a Christmas Tree and Make It Look Real

If you use an artificial Christmas tree, you know making it look as real as possible can be a hassle. After all, it’s not unusual for it to look fake once you pull it out of the box. In fact, the branches are typically smashed, so it takes time to spread out the branches to make them look nice. Yet, after some fluffing, you realize it could look more natural and realistic. However, the task becomes too monotonous, and you eventually conclude that this is the best it will get. 

Get ready to make this holiday season extra special. If you truly want to embrace the spirit of Christmas, take the steps to learn how to fluff your artificial tree to your liking. Make sure you even involve your household in making it look nice while playing your favorite Christmas tunes in the background. This can be your new favorite holiday tradition that you look forward to each year.

1. Assemble the Tree

Before you start fluffing the Christmas tree, you must first get it set up. Doing so makes the act of fluffing easier. Because once you have your branches in place, you know exactly where you’ll need to adjust them.

To put your tree together, you could follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However, the general rule of thumb is to place the largest branches on the bottom first and the smallest ones on top. While you’re setting it up, you can start prepping your stems by spreading them out first. Then, hook them into the pole.

2. Adjust the Branches From the Bottom Up

Now that your branches are in place, the best place to start spreading them is from the bottom. Fluffing the largest branches first makes it easier because they’re the most accessible. Plus, it ensures you get each branch while working your way up.

3. Fan the Branches Out

The next step is to fan out your branches. Consider looking at a picture of an actual Christmas tree to see what it should look like. Whether the tree is real or fake, you’ll see in some of Google’s images that each branch has quite a few stems that spread out in various directions.

When fanning out a branch, lift each stem out to make it look full. Start with section by section and repeat this step to capture every piece. 

4. Work Your Way From the Inside Out

The stems may still look unflattering at this point. However, this is typical— you can always fix it with extra fluffing. To fluff the Christmas tree even more, try to fluff from the inside out. Place your hand directly within the tree’s branches and give them extra attention. Then, you can gradually work your way out. However, start from the bottom again because this will allow you to get every one.

5. Shape the Branches

On a real tree, you’ll see that the branches aren’t perfectly straight. Many of them are sticking outwards in every direction, but they also have some curves. Once you’re finished fluffing the stems, give it an authentic look by sweeping the branches in varying ways. You can achieve this by bending the branches and shaping them to your desire. Some can be facing up, while others can be facing downward. 

Essentially, the goal is to mimic a tree’s natural appearance and provide some variation to every branch. The branches that face upward also keep any of your decorations from falling off. Therefore, you reduce the risk of damaging your ornaments.

6. Fluff the Needles

Once your branches are intact, you can fluff your Christmas tree even more by working with the needles. Sometimes, even the smallest details can make a difference in any decoration. With that in mind, you can work on the needles by running your hand along the stems. As such, this will make any flat needles or ones sticking together to make them stick outward. Thus, your tree branches will look fuller and as natural as possible.

7. Step Back and Assess

You’ve already accomplished quite an amount of fluffing. However, there’s still some chance you may have missed a spot. This is where you’ll need to take a few steps back and look at it from another point of view. Check to see if any branches are out of place or if you’re missing any spots. Give a once-over view from top to bottom and assess whether it looks full. If you see any gaps, patches or unevenness, ensure you return and give them some extra fluff. 

8. Do Another Once Over

This step is optional, but if your tree could use more fluffing, consider repeating some of the steps above. Whether it’s separating the needles or repositioning some of the stems of the branches, ensure you start from the bottom again until you reach the top.

9. Give the Top Section Some Love

When setting up, many people keep the top of the tree in the back of their minds. However, this is the most important part of all. When fluffing your Christmas tree, you want to be sure you make a great first impression if you’re hosting holiday parties this year. Because one of the first parts of the tree that people look at is the top. So, make your tree stand out this year by fanning the top part. If it’s too challenging to reach, make it more accessible by removing it and then working your magic. This makes it easier to work with when it’s unattached. 

10. Avoid Overcrowding the Branches

Is there such a thing as over-fluffing? Possibly, but if you do come across this, make sure to avoid it. You want to be sure you leave enough room for the decorations. Otherwise, it may be challenging to hang them on your tree.

Learn How to Fluff a Christmas Tree the Right Way

Fluffing a Christmas tree may be tedious, but it’s worth taking the time to do so. Once you take all the proper steps to fluff it, you’ll have a beautiful, natural-looking tree on Christmas morning.