Balsam Hill artificial Christmas trees come in compressed sections of branches, which makes shipping and handling easier and more cost-effective. It takes a bit of time and handiwork the first time you take your tree out of the box for it to look lush and full, but the results are well worth the care and effort. Check out our guide below.
Bring Your Christmas Tree to Life: Fluffing 101
Unboxing your Christmas tree for the first time can feel a little intimidating. It might even look a little squished or flat straight out of the box. Don’t worry. This is normal and will not impact the look of your tree at the end of the fluffing process. Follow our step-by-step guide and pro tips to get started. You can also reach out to Customer Service by email or phone with any questions. In the meantime, grab some hot cocoa and a tree-fluffing buddy. It’s time to bring your dream tree to life.Tree Shaping Tips
⦁ Make it a team effort
Invite family or friends to join in on the fun and make it a holiday tradition.
⦁ Protect your hands
Wear the included fluffing gloves to prevent pokes or scratches while adjusting branches.
⦁ Use a reference
Check the photo from your tree package, our catalog, or on our website. Some trees are meant to have upswept or downswept branches, so angle the tips accordingly.
⦁ Check your lights
If your tree is pre-lit, plug in the lights while shaping. Replace any non-working bulbs with the extras included in the box so there are no dark spots.
⦁ Patience pays off
The first time fluffing your tree takes the longest. In future seasons, it will be easier and quicker to get the tree looking its best.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Work One Section at a Time
Start from the bottom and move upward. It’s easier to make each section look great before moving on. If you have a tree taller than you, work on the top section on the ground first before you add the next section on top for easier fluffing
Step 2: Lift Inner Branches
Lift the inner branches in an alternating pattern. This hides the trunk, fills empty spaces, and gives your tree a lush, natural look.
Step 3: Spread Out Mid-Branches
Near the ends of the branch, you’ll find sturdier offshoots in varying lengths—spread them outward for fullness. Don’t worry if the branch tips don’t all look the same. This is part of the design to create the most realistic look.
Step 4: Separate the Ends
Quickly and firmly pull apart ends that are stuck together. Our branches are sturdy, so you can fluff with confidence.
Step 5: Tip Details: Upswept or Downswept
Depending on the type of tree, some tips will point skyward or downward, while others stretch straight out, giving each tree its own unique style.
Step 6: Embrace Natural Variation
Like trees in nature, each tree has its own organic shape. This variation adds character and is what makes your tree unique to you. Check out our artificial Christmas trees so you can see which direction to shape your tree branches.
Pro Tips:
Depending on the height and fullness of your tree, we suggest planning for two people to spend 2-3 hours fluffing the tree the first time it comes out of the shipping box.
Ornaments help hide small gaps. If a spot doesn’t look perfect, just add your favorite ornament.
Stand back to check for any gaps or spots that need additional fluffing.
Take your time. Beautiful trees and holiday memories are worth the extra thought and care.
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Watch this video to learn how to fluff and shape most upswept Christmas trees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to Make a Christmas Tree Look Bushy?
Making your artificial Christmas tree look full and natural is all about fluffing each individual branch. Start from the inside of the tree and work your way outwards, fanning out the smaller tips on each branch in different directions. This will fill in gaps and create a lush, dense appearance.
How to Volumize a Christmas Tree?
To add volume to your Christmas tree, systematically shape each branch by spreading out the tips. You can bend the branches slightly upwards and outwards to create a fuller silhouette. Consider adding picks or garlands to fill in any noticeable gaps and enhance the tree's overall fullness and organic shape.
How to Fluff a Christmas Tree Easily?
Fluff the first tree section before adding the next, working from the bottom to the top one bunch at a time. Start with the branches closest to the trunk and work your way out, fanning the tips of each branch to the sides. This ensures you don't miss any spots and gives your tree a full, natural look.
We recommend dedicating a few hours to fluffing when you first get your tree. This way, your tree will be easier to fluff the following year and beyond. Fluffing and trimming the tree in one session will get quicker and simpler, especially with help from family and friends.
How to Make a Tree Look Flocked?
Purchasing a frosted tree from Balsam Hill's collection is the safest, easiest way to achieve a snow-dusted look. Our delicate flocking captures the magic of freshly fallen snow on lifelike foliage, and our warranty guarantees year after year of beauty at your celebrations.
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