An artificial Christmas tree is an excellent solution for those who want to avoid the daily cleaning of fallen needles, changing the water in the bucket, and the annual costs of a new live tree. However, prolonged storage in a box can negatively affect its condition: the needles can get crushed in some places, creating noticeable bald spots on the branches. Fortunately, there are several tips that can help improve the appearance of an artificial tree — and we will share them!
Immediately after you take the tree out of the box and assemble it, do not rush to decorate. First, you need to perform a few key procedures!
Fluff the Needles
Note: fluff — without quotes. Literally comb the branches of the artificial tree using a massage comb.
First, spread out the branches by gently lifting their tips upwards, mimicking a real tree reaching for the sun. Then fill a spray bottle with hot water (but not boiling). Lay old bags or plastic wrap around the base of the tree, start spraying one branch with water, and run a large comb along it towards the trunk. Be patient and pay attention to each branch. This will help make the needles fluffy again.
Get Large Ornaments
These can be large Christmas balls, figurines, or bows — they are needed to fill the gaps that have formed.
Hang Green Tinsel
Although decorating a tree with tinsel is considered outdated, this rule does not apply to green tinsel with a matte finish. In this case, it is simply necessary! It will add volume to the tree and fill the gaps between the branches. It is best to choose tinsel that closely matches the color of the artificial needles of your Christmas tree.
Add Real Branches
To make the artificial tree look more natural and lush, you can supplement it with pine branches from live trees, provided their color is similar to that of your tree. Place the real branches at a distance from each other — this will make your tree more balanced.
Dust with Artificial Snow
Although artificial snow will not make your tree more “alive,” it will give the branches a magical appearance.
Before hanging Christmas ornaments, take the tree to the hallway and sprinkle the branches with a thin, even layer of snow. Hold the spray can above the branches so that the snow only covers the top part of the needles — this will look more natural.
Decorate with Pine Cones and Artificial Berries
These decorations will help your tree look more “alive.” You can use natural pine cones — collected by you in the nearest forest and dried at home on parchment. However, do not hang natural berries on the artificial tree — over time, they will rot and fall off, filling your home with an unpleasant smell and dirtying the floor!
Place a Garland. Lots of Garlands!
Today, you can find a 100-meter-long garland on marketplaces, which can be wrapped around the tree from top to bottom, several times. If you cannot purchase it, classic wired garlands will also work. The main thing is to hang as many lights on the tree as possible and “bury” them deep within the branches. They will not only distract attention from the tree's flaws but also enhance the illusion of fullness and depth, creating interesting shadows.
Leave a comment