Expert reveals how to fluff a Christmas tree for a fuller shape
Before the fun part — decorating the Christmas tree — a crucial step to ensure your tree looks the best it can do is to 'fluff' it (sometimes referred to as shaping).
This is an integral part of Christmas tree maintenance, whether you have a real or artificial Christmas tree. But it's a particularly important step if you're digging out an artificial tree that's been crammed into a corner of the loft or basement all year.
Fluffing a Christmas tree refers to a process where the branches are separated and reshaped to make the tree appear fuller. This can take anywhere between 30 minutes and a few hours for a larger tree, but it will significantly impact the overall effect of the tree, particularly with artificial varieties, as it helps them appear more lifelike.
"When it comes to assembling an artificial Christmas tree, fluffing the branches is an important step to ensure your tree has maximum impact," David Sumner, from Christmas Tree World tells Country Living.
"Trees of different shapes and sizes have varying volumes of branches, so it's really key to ensure you take the time to prep your tree for decoration before jumping right in to hang your baubles."
How to prepare for fluffing a Christmas tree
Before you tend to your tree, a few considerations will ensure the process runs smoothly:
Enlist your friends and family's help: Fluffing a Christmas tree needn't be a chore. Crank up the Christmas songs and make an event of fluffing the tree together before decorating it. This is a particularly magical activity to carry out with young children.
Wear protective gloves: This will ensure your hands stay clean while grappling with branches and protect against splinters. You should also wear a long-sleeved jumper or tee shirt to stop the branches from scratching your arms.
Use a photograph as a reference point if you have one. Trees come in all shapes and sizes — some are intended to have up-swept or down-swept branches, for example. Depending on the type of tree or what kind of Christmas tree your artificial tree is based on, try to keep to the tree's intended natural shape.
What's the best way to fluff a Christmas tree?
Following a process for fluffing your Christmas tree will ensure you get the best results.
Start at the bottom
It's a good idea to start at the back and the lowest section of your tree and work towards the front and top branches so the already separated ones don't get in the way. "Work from the inside out, twisting and manoeuvring in different directions, starting at the base and working your way through the segments until you end at the top," David explains.Working in layers, lift each branch and fluff individually
Lift each branch to a 45-90° angle and spread evenly in a fan shape, adjusting your technique depending on your desired overall effect.Don't stick to one direction
"Once you begin fluffing your branches, remember that a real tree has branches that grow in different directions and at different angles, so ensure your branches do the same for a natural-looking tree," David explains.Take a step back
Assess your technique as you go, suggests David. He tells us: "Before jumping in to decorate, step back and look at your tree from different angles. Identify any obvious gaps and carefully re-fluff the area to conceal any obvious gaps that have been missed to ensure your tree looks full throughout and from every angle.
If you are left with any gaps, you can always plug them in if you have an artificial tree. "If you do find yourself with a couple of gaps still lingering, despite your best efforts to conceal any obvious remaining space, you can also buy additional branches that hook to your artificial Christmas tree's centre, allowing you to hide any visible gaps and customise the thickness levels of your tree too."
How can I make my Christmas tree look fuller?
As well as fluffing a Christmas tree to make it look fuller, there are other ways you can give your tree a boost and ensure it looks as impressive as possible.
If your tree is real, Toby Ryley, director of Friezland Farm, the biggest Christmas tree farm in the UK, suggests giving it a sugar boost to help it stay full. "Possibly put lemonade or a sugar drink in with the water as it can help the uptake of water once the tree is cut," he suggests.
Ryley also warns against exposing the tree to heat if you want it to stay full and fresh. "Ensure it is kept away from fires and radiators and in the coldest possible room in the house," he suggests.
If your tree is artificial, fluffing and shaping it can make all the difference — as can some volume-boosting decorations. Layer tinsel, garlands, and bows to make your tree appear fuller before adding additional decorations.
Esme Amberg, Head of Design at The Roost, also suggests plugging any gaps for a fuller overall effect. "If there are a few bare patches, raid the garden for branches and stems, spray them green or gold (there are plenty of foliage sprays out there, especially at this time of year), and simply plug the spaces to add fullness and texture," she suggests. "Wired bows are the crowning glory to a tree and are another great way to fill any empty branches."
How long does it take to tweak my branches?
It should take the average person around 30 minutes to tweak their branches, according to Christmas Tree World. But it can take up to a few hours if the tree is bigger. They advise: "We've found the more care and attention put into tweaking the branches, the better the results, so bear that in mind as you shape your tree."
Should you clean your artificial Christmas tree?
Yes, according to experts, it's a good idea to clean your tree before fluffing it. Gareth Nye, a Programme Lead for Medical Science, told Wayfair, "Artificial trees are often stored in humid and dusty conditions with little disruption for a significant portion of the year.
"This leads to a significant build-up of dust particles on the tree itself, which, when put up, can trigger allergies and asthma attacks. Dust buildup also promotes the presence of dust mites, insects, and other allergens. This can pose a risk to children and older adults, who may experience heightened reactions when the trees are unpacked and used."
Gareth suggests that artificial trees should be cleaned twice during the festive season. When asked about how to clean an artificial tree, Dr Nye said: “Ideally, you should fully dust off your artificial trees as you get them out of storage.
"Cleaning them may be more difficult if you have built-in lights or decorations. Whilst it may not be necessary to wash them, dusting and spraying with disinfectant should be done.
"Additionally, ensure the tree is clean and disinfected before putting it back away and try to ensure your storage options are suitable to prevent the growth of bacteria."
What to write in your Christmas card
Let these Christmas card messages inspire you this year
How to embrace a slow living Christmas
Have yourself a very merry...slow Christmas
What are the chances of a white Christmas?
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Here's what we know so far
You Might Also Like
