How to Fluff and Shape an Artificial Christmas Tree

Did your Christmas tree get mushed and twisted in storage? Learn how to take your tree from smashed to smashing with these easy tips.

By: Jennie Andrews

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While decorating the Christmas tree is a warm family tradition, preparing the tree is certainly a less glamorous but no less important endeavor. Advertisements for 'no-fluff' Christmas trees are enticing, but the reality is they are significantly more expensive, much heavier and take up more room in storage. Furthermore, most of them still require some attention before the fun of adding decor begins. With just a little patience and extra care, achieving a full, lush artificial Christmas tree is easy, no matter the type, age or even quality of tree you have.

Holiday display showing a decorated tree and mantle.

How to Fluff a Christmas Tree

Learn the secrets to taking any artificial tree from flat to fabulous with these tips from the editors at HGTV.

Photo by: Jennie Andrews

Jennie Andrews

1. Get Organized

Unbox the entire tree and lay out the individual pieces from base to top. If working with a pre-lit tree, plug the sections together and check the lights before beginning assembly. Nothing is more frustrating than a perfectly fluffed tree with an electrical malfunction.

2. Work in Sections

Set up the bottom section of the tree and begin to unfold the branches by pulling the whole branch downward. Depending on the type of tree you are working with, lightweight rubber-coated gloves are either a luxury or a necessity. The rubber coating keeps the branches from snagging on the gloves and protects your hands. Completely fluff the bottom section before moving on to the next. Fluffing is the magic that makes the tree look full and lush.

Jennie Andrews

Photo By: Jennie Andrews

3. Fluff Individual Branches

When all the branches have been pulled downward into place, it’s time to work on spreading out individual branches. Start from the bottom close to the pole and work outward and upward. Separate the tips of branches from the main branches. If you only fan them out horizontally, your tree will not look as lush and full. Instead, pull them perpendicularly from the main branch in all different directions to close any gaps. As you work on the outermost tips, gently bend them upward to both give the illusion of a fuller tree and make them more supportive for ornaments. If the needles look flat, pinch the end of each twig gently and run your fingers down the twig "against the grain" to make them appear more lush.

Jennie Andrews

Photo By: Jennie Andrews

4. Repeat for Each Section

When you have achieved maximum "fluff" on the bottom section, add the second tier of the tree. Repeat the steps on this and subsequent sections until you reach the top. As you work, don’t forget to take a step back and view the tree from a distance, checking for gaps or uneven areas.

Jennie Andrews

Photo By: Jennie Andrews

5. Add Branches

In some instances, if you have an older tree or a tree that is not as full as you’d like, you might be tempted to buy a whole new tree. Instead, try adding some sprigs of faux greenery or long decorative picks. Adding these additional "branches" can completely transform the look of your tree.

Jennie Andrews

Photo By: Jennie Andrews

6. Decorate

It’s finally time for the fun part! To complete the look and make your tree seem even more lush, don’t hang ornaments only on the outer edge of the tree. Layer ornaments. Start close to the trunk and hang ornaments to fill in any negative space, then continue outward. Shoot for hanging smaller and lighter ornaments on the tips, thus keeping them from drooping.

Jennie Andrews

Photo By: Jennie Andrews

7. Enjoy

Your patience and hard work have paid off and you have taken your Christmas tree from flat to fabulous. Put your feet up, reward yourself with a cup of hot cider and admire your beautiful tree throughout the holiday season.