Correctly fluffing and shaping an artificial Christmas tree is the difference between it looking full and realistic, or cheap and fake. These tips will teach you the right way to do it so that you can have a tree worthy of a catalog.

If you like to get your Christmas decor up early, having an artificial Christmas tree is a must. No one wants to deal with a crispy real tree that will be a fire hazard. Fresh trees require being purchased closer to Christmas and need frequent watering to stay alive. Skip the hassle this year and instead opt for one of the highly realistic artificial trees now available. While you’re at it, grab yourself one of these beautiful faux garlands too.

The difference between an artificial tree that looks fake and one that looks realistic is the effort you put into fluffing it. Done right, this may take upward of an hour, but you’ll have a beautifully full looking tree that you can enjoy in the weeks leading up Christmas.

What You Will Need

• Gloves
• Step Ladder or Step Stool

It’s important to wear gloves when setting up an artificial Christmas tree. The branches will scratch up your hands and arms if you don’t. If your tree did not come with gloves, gardening gloves or even vinyl household gloves will do the trick.

If your tree is over 6.5 feet, you will need a step ladder to attach and fluff the tallest section.

How to Correctly Shape the Tree

This video shows exactly how to fluff and shape a Christmas tree from start to finish. The tree in the video is the Balsam Hill 6.5′ Stratford Spruce.

Install the bottom section in the tree base, and start from there. When you have the majority of that section fluffed and fanned, attach the next section and work your way up.

Work on a single branch at a time. Separate the branches so that they are fully fanned out – one piece goes to the left, one to the right and then one sticks up. If there’s another piece underneath, have that point down. Repeat this throughout the tree to really create a sense of fullness.

Ensure you are not just working on the furthest out branches, but right in towards the center of the tree. By really fluffing these inner sections, you will create the most realistic looking tree.

When you have worked your way up to the top of the Christmas tree, stand back and evaluate. Pay attention to any gaps. Adjust and straighten as necessary to ensure no major gaps are visible.

If you have a pre-lit tree, turning the lights on will also help you see where gaps are. If your tree is not pre-lit, add your string lights at this point, then turn them on and look for gaps.

Standing several feet back from the tree will also help you see where it needs additionally fluffing and straightening. It doesn’t have to be 100% perfect, as ornaments can also be used to fill gaps.

However, if you’re really unhappy with a certain section, you can use artificial pine needle picks to really fill in any extra space.

Decorate

Now the fun begins! Once your lights are on, it’s time to decorate. Decorating your tree takes time and patience, too. Adding depth, dimension and texture will give you a beautiful end result.

Need more inspiration? Read all about my Tree Decorating Ideas, including my formula for decorating a perfect tree every time.