5 ways to make your artificial Christmas tree smell like the real thing: Video tutorial

Cody Godwin, USA TODAY
·3 min read

There are many perks to using artificial Christmas trees during the holidays. They are a one-time investment, can be easy to assemble, are available in different colors and don’t need to be watered. They also don't make a mess by dropping needles all over your presents and the floor.

However, there’s one thing artificial trees lack that real trees have in abundance: fragrance. But there are some easy ways to fake it and create that real tree smell without the real tree hassle.

Watch this video to see how to make your artificial tree smell real.

How to make a fake Christmas tree smell real

The tree is up, the lights are strung and the ornaments are hung. Now, let’s add a blast of fragrance to amp up the Christmas spirit in the room.

Here are five easy ways to make your artificial tree smell like a real tree:

  • Use cotton balls and essential oils.

Add a few drops of pine-scented essential oil and a hint of eucalyptus to a small bowl of water. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture, then tuck it into a tree branch. You only need a couple of cotton balls tucked around your tree to create a nice fragrance.

If you have pets or young children, make sure to place the cotton balls out of their reach.

  • Use a tea bag.

A tea bag is an easy alternative to the cotton balls. Put a few drops of the essential oil on it and hang it in your tree.

If you’re concerned about the cotton balls or tea bag being spotted, hide it using some of your favorite ornaments.

  • Use a pine cone.

If you want to go for a more aesthetic approach, add a few drops of the essential oil to a pine cone and use it as decoration on your tree.

  • Use a scent diffuser.

Add a few drops to a scent diffuser in your room to expand the fragrance.

  • Use a little tree.

Yes, the dangling air fresheners for cars can also be used on your tree. You can choose to tuck it among the branches or proudly display it like an ornament.

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Essential Oils

It’s your tree, so make it smell how you like! If pine isn’t your favorite scent, use fir or cedarwood instead. If you’re not keen on your home potentially smelling like a forest, consider opting for a festive peppermint or cinnamon, or a calmer alternative like lavender.

You can easily purchase essential oils online in a variety of scents. Make sure to include any specific scents you’re looking for or include keywords like “holiday” to find seasonal scents, such as gingerbread, sugar cookie, or frankincense.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to get the real Christmas tree scent on a fake tree