Balsam Hill artificial Christmas trees come in compressed sections of branches, which makes shipping and handling easier and more convenient. It takes a bit of time and handiwork the first time you take your tree out of the box for it to look lush and full, but the results are well worth the care and effort. Check out our guide below.
Bring Your Christmas Tree to Life: Fluffing 101
Unboxing your Christmas tree for the first time can feel a little intimidating. It might even look a little squished or flat straight out of the box. Don’t worry. This is completely normal and part of the fun. With a little patience and our step-by-step guide, your tree will look full, lush, and ready to impress guests with some simple shaping techniques.
Why Your Tree Looks Different Fresh Out of the Box
Your tree might not look like the ones you see online. Thousands of branches are carefully packed for delivery, so some may be compressed or stuck together. Grab some hot cocoa, put on some holiday music, and get ready to have fun bringing your tree to life.
Tree Shaping Tips
⦁ Make it a team effort
Invite family or friends to join in on the fun and make it a holiday tradition.
⦁ Protect your hands
Wear the included fluffing gloves to prevent pokes or scratches while adjusting branches.
⦁ Use a reference
Check the photo from your tree package, our catalog, or on our website. Some trees are meant to have upswept or downswept branches, so angle the tips accordingly.
⦁ Check your lights
If your tree is pre-lit, plug in the lights while shaping. Replace any non-working bulbs with the extras included in the box so there are no dark spots.
⦁ Patience pays off
The first time fluffing your tree takes the longest. Future seasons will be quicker, and your tree will look even better each year.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Work One Section at a Time
Start from the bottom and move upward. It’s easier to make each section look great before moving on.
Step 2: Lift Inner Branches
Lift the inner branches in an alternating pattern. This hides the trunk, fills empty spaces, and gives your tree a lush, natural look.
Step 3: Spread Out Mid-Branches
Near the ends of each branch, you will find sturdier offshoots. Spread them outward to make the branches look fuller.
Step 4: Separate the Ends
The tips might be stuck together. Gently pull them apart to add depth, dimension, and a more natural look to your tree.
Step 5: Tip Details: Upswept or Downswept
Depending on the type of tree, some tips will point skyward or downward, while others stretch straight out, giving each tree its own unique style.
Step 5: Embrace Natural Variation
Like trees in nature, each tree has its own organic shape. This variation adds character and is what makes your tree unique to you.
Pro Tips:
Ornaments help hide small gaps. If a spot doesn’t look perfect, just add your favorite ornament.
Step back often to admire your work. It’s important to enjoy the process as much as the result.
Take your time. Beautiful trees and holiday memories are worth the extra thought and care.
How To Fluff and Shape a Balsam Hill Christmas Tree
Watch this video to learn how to fluff and shape most upswept Christmas trees.
Looking for a more specific guide? Capture the most realistic look of our most popular trees by following the videos below.
How To Shape a BH Balsam Fir Tree
Balsam Fir trees have slightly upward-sloping branches that give them their distinct look.
How To Shape a BH Fraser Fir Tree
Crafted with over 40 different tip variations, our Fraser Fir trees offer the most realistic look when fluffed and shaped just right.
How To Shape a Vermont White Spruce Tree
Vermont White Spruce trees offer that classic Christmas tree silhouette and robust branches for holding ornaments.
How To Shape a Classic Blue Spruce
Classic Blue Spruce trees showcase dense and sturdy foliage with silvery-blue hues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Make a Christmas Tree Look Bushy?
Making your artificial Christmas tree look full and natural is all about fluffing each individual branch. Start from the inside of the tree and work your way outwards, fanning out the smaller tips on each branch in different directions. This will fill in gaps and create a lush, dense appearance.
How to Volumize a Christmas Tree?
To add volume to your Christmas tree, systematically shape each branch by spreading out the tips. You can bend the branches slightly upwards and outwards to create a fuller silhouette. Consider adding picks or garlands to fill in any noticeable gaps and enhance the tree's overall fullness and organic shape.
How to Fluff a Christmas Tree Easily?
Dedicate time to the process, working branch by branch from the bottom of the tree to the top. When you encounter a section of branches, start with the one closest to the trunk and work your way out, fanning the tips of each branch out to the sides. This ensures you don't miss any spots and gives your tree a full, natural look.
How to Make a Tree Look Flocked?
You can use a can of artificial snow spray to give your tree a snowy look, but do note that altering your tree in this manner can void its warranty. For DIY flocking, make sure you follow the instructions on the can and you do so in a well-ventilated area.
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