How to Fluff a Christmas Tree So It Passes For a Real One

Gather Your Gear

You don't need a high-tech kit to fluff a Christmas tree. Just some tools to clean up any rogue fake needles that come off during the process, gloves, and a long-sleeved top to protect you from scratchy wire branches.

Do the fluffing in the room where you're displaying the tree but in a spot where it's going to be easy to sweep or vacuum up any shed needles.

Start With the Bottom Branches

Work your way up methodically from the bottom, fluffing the widest branches first. It makes it easier to see what you're working with and saves you from missing any as you go.

Spread the Branch Fronds

Loosen the branches by giving them a gentle shake before you start full-on fluffing.

Fan out the branches on each section fully. Often artificial trees have three branches per main stem. Repeat this step for all the pieces, and you'll already notice your tree looking fuller.

For tall trees with a separate top section, fan out the branches before you place it on the central pole. It's easier to work with it unattached.

Fluff From the Inside

The fronds may still look a bit flat at this stage. Don't worry, though, as this is when the major fluffing commences.

Get your hands right in amongst the branches of the tree and ruffle them from the inside, moving your way gradually outwards. Again, work from the bottom branches upwards so you don't miss any.

Bend the Branches

Add a kink to the tip of every branch to give your tree an even more authentic appearance. Rather than all the branches being upswept, vary the direction they bend to fill any gaps. Have some facing up and others curving downward slightly.

Displaying any heavy Christmas tree decorations on the upward-turning branches means there's no risk of them sliding off and getting damaged.

Assess for Evenness

Take a step back and give your tree a good once over. Does it look full and even from every angle? If there are any gaps, uneven sections, or patchiness, reposition the branches and give them an extra fluff-up.

Camouflage Flaws

If your trusty tree has been in the family for decades, there might be some thinning, holes, or patches that no amount of fluffing will fill in.

Don't despair, though. You might not have to ditch that treasured family heirloom just yet.

Some strategically placed larger decorations and ribbons can cover up any problematic patches.

Store Sensibly to Reduce Fluffing the Following Year

Don't try to stuff your Christmas tree back in its original box. Use a tree-storage bag instead. It will protect your tree from dust and sun damage, and you won't have to squash it down so flat that you lose all that hard-earned plumping. You'll still need to fluff your Christmas tree come the next holiday, but hopefully less than when it came fresh out of the box.