How to Shape Your Artificial Christmas Tree

The first time you unpack your brand new artificial Christmas tree, it may not completely resemble the perfectly shaped tree you admired online.

That’s because your Christmas tree was tightly compacted for storage and shipping. No artificial tree will look its best right out of the box, but it takes just a little extra attention to get your tree ready to decorate.

How to Fluff a Christmas Tree

“Fluffing” is the decorator’s secret to achieving the full, conical silhouette of a classic Christmas tree. Here’s how to do it:

insert the bottom section of the tree into the tree stand

Set the tree stand where you want to place your tree. Artificial Christmas trees are more difficult to move once they're set up.

Insert the bottom section of the tree into the stand and unfold or let the branches fall open. Fan branch tips out from the center, parallel to the floor.

lower or let the tree branches fall into place

Your artificial tree may come in multiple sections. Rather than setting up the whole tree at once, it’s often easier to work section by section.

If you ordered a pre-lit tree, test the lights. Pre-lit Christmas trees usually come with replacement bulbs so you can fix any lights that go out in the future.

Artificial Christmas tree branches are designed to bend and flex. Begin shaping your tree by lifting the branch tips at different angles in a 'V' shape. Start with the branches near the trunk and work your way to the branch tip. Arrange interior branch tips to fill any visual gaps.

Pro tip: Christmas tree branches can be prickly. Wear light gardening gloves while fluffing your tree to avoid potential pokes and scratches.

lift and separate branches upward and to the left and right

Continue to twist individual branches upward and outward, in alternating directions. For the fullest look possible, make sure each branch is at a slightly different angle than the branches around. The small branches near the tree’s peak should point toward the ceiling in gradually steeper angles.

If you're decorating a tall tree, try shaping the top section before assembly so you don’t have to work on a ladder.

Finishing Touches

Adjust branches so sections visually blend together

Stand back and look at your tree throughout the fluffing process to make sure the shape is uniform and appears natural. Adjust branches to fill in any gaps you see. Pay special attention to the areas where sections meet, moving branch tips so sections blend together seamlessly.

You may want to take a photo of your fully fluffed tree and tuck it into the storage container after the holidays. You probably won't have to do as much fluffing in the future, but a photo will provide a visual reference of your beautifully-shaped tree next year.

Christmas tree fluffing is a little-known but helpful technique that ensures your tree measures up to the beauty you expect of the centerpiece to your Christmas celebration.