Why We're Still in Love with the Flocked Christmas Tree

Many holiday decorating trends come and go, but the flocked Christmas tree has remained a seasonal favorite. First gaining popularity in the mid-19th century, flocked trees continue to attract a loyal following today. Their snow-dusted look offers a nostalgic nod to wintertime traditions while still feeling right at home in modern holiday décor.

A flocked tree is a classic green Christmas tree whose branches have been coated with a fluffy white substance that mimics the look of newly fallen snow.

If you own a flocked tree, you already understand the appeal. Artificial flocked Christmas trees evoke the feeling of a winter wonderland and provide a subtle backdrop for decorations. Their clean aesthetic encourages experimentation with new decorating themes and color combinations.

However, there’s more to a flocked Christmas tree than looks alone. Christmas Central outlines five facts you might not have known about flocked trees.

Flocked Christmas trees stepped into the holiday fashion spotlight on the sunny West Coast, as movies inspired many decorators to recreate the nostalgic feel of a “White Christmas." In fact, a white Christmas tree makes an appearance in the 1942 classic “Holiday Inn.” Aluminum and silver tinsel trees were a mid-century modern adaptation of the look.

Flocked, iced and frosted trees are appreciated for their decorating versatility. Their subtle coloring supports a variety of themes. Experiment with pastel or vibrant decorations, go minimalist or glam, modern or traditional. Colorful ornaments pop against a flocked tree’s white branches and trendy metallic ornaments truly shine on a white flocked Christmas tree.

For reasons from stylish to sentimental, flocked Christmas trees continue to capture the attention of holiday decorators.

Maybe it’s the subtle coloration that contrasts so well with a green Christmas tree and coordinates as well with traditional red and green decorations as it does with many modern decorating styles. Or maybe it’s because a flocked tree sets a serene winter scene, whether the weather outside is fair or frightful!

The reasons for buying a flocked artificial Christmas tree are as varied as the trees themselves. From the classic Christmas tree to sparse accent trees, from a small flocked Christmas tree to one nine feet or taller, pre-lit or unlit, slim or full-profile, there’s a flocked tree to suit every budget and style.

Ready to purchase your own artificial flocked tree? Shop Christmas Central's wide selection of flocked tree styles, sizes and tree species.

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An artificial flocked Christmas tree has been treated with a coating of white cellulose, rayon lint or another material to give it the effect of a pine tree covered with snow. Be gentle with your flocked tree to prevent the coating from breaking off.

Flocking can yellow when exposed to heat and humidity. Keep your flocked tree away from sunlight, skylights and heating vents. Also, don’t display it outdoors, since rain or snow can destroy the flocking.

An unlit Christmas tree provides a natural look that coordinates with a variety of decorating styles. However, if you like lights on your tree, a pre-lit tree might be a better choice. While adding lights yourself is an option, hanging lights on a flocked tree could cause the coating to shed more than you might desire.

Cover your flocked tree with a sheet or pack it carefully into a Christmas tree storage bag to protect it from dirt and damage. Store flocked trees in a temperature controlled area, like a closet, away from the temperature and humidity fluctuations that often occur in an attic or garage.