You can make your artificial Christmas tree look more real

Give Your Artificial Christmas Tree a Touch of Reality

Artificial Christmas trees have come a long way since their inception. They're stored most of the year in a box, often retaining their evergreen freshness, devoid of sticky sap, pesky insects, and the need for regular watering. Yet, they can sometimes look a tad unnatural. If you're yearning for a tree that seems to have been magically plucked from a snowy night (or pulled from the parking lot of your local church), a few modifications are all it takes.

Revitalize your fake tree

The easiest way to improve your artificial tree's appearance is to loosen its branches. After spending close to a year in storage, be it in a basement or attic, they can look flattened and weathered. Spend some time shaping the wire branches, either by gently bending them upward (to mimic the sunlight-seeking growth of a real tree) or using the 'two-in, one-out' method, alternating between branches to avoid gaps. Work from the bottom up, and aim for a subtle, soft appearance, not a rigid 90-degree angle.

Fill in the empty spots

Even after proper fluffing, your tree might still appear sparse and Charlie Brow-esque. Fill in these gaps to conceal the metal core. You can utilize various materials to give your tree a more authentic feel:

Faux Pine Wreaths . Look for a wreath that fits the style of your artificial pine needles. It doesn't need to be a perfect match, as you'll be using it to fill in the gaps in your tree. Green metal wire, preferably with a matte finish, will blend well with your tree, especially if it has a texture similar to real pine needles and cones. If you can get your hands on some real pine branches or cones, strategically place them in your artificial tree to enhance its appearance.

Hide the tree stand

A simple way to make your artificial tree appear more genuine is to sell the illusion of planting it. Instead of using an industrial metal stand, place the tree in a pot or basket, fill it with something light and fluffy like air foam or a blanket, and then cover it with branches, pine cones, and other plant debris to create the illusion of soil. If the latter is too challenging, hide the stand in a pot or bucket to maintain the desired atmosphere.

Conceal your fairy lights

An essential trick to making your tree appear more stunning and magical is to bury the fairy lights deep within the branches. This enhances the illusion of volume and depth and creates interesting shadows that mask the fact the needles are made of plastic and the branches of metal.

Add scents to your tree

Lastly, to make your fake tree feel real, add scent to it. Scents are powerful emotional triggers, and the fragrance of a real Christmas tree holds us in a cherished memory of the holiday season. Your artificial tree might smell like plastic (or worse, not at all), and introducing a whiff of pine tree fragrance goes a long way in reinforcing your illusion.

You can purchase scented ornaments and hang them on your tree, which will make it smell like a real tree, or you can spray your tree with pine-scented spray to imbue it with the aroma of the holidays. However, don't overdo it — begin with a few short sprays, allowing the scent to settle before adding another round.

Enrichment Data:

To bring your fake Christmas tree to life with authenticity, consider these tips and tricks:

Fluff the Tree:
After unpacking, fluff out the branches to create a fuller appearance. This is vital for both real and artificial trees. For artificial trees, separate and adjust the branches to achieve a natural, lush appearance[1][3][4].
Choose Realistic Needle Types:
Opt for artificial trees with needles that mimic the structure, texture, and color variations of natural evergreens. True Needle technology, which uses injection-molded PE plastic, effectively creates realism[1][4].
Select the Right Species:
Choose an artificial tree that closely resembles your favorite real tree species. For example, Balsam Hill's Vermont White Spruce features True Needle technology that mimics the sharp, thin needles of a spruce tree[1][4].
Lighting:
Use warm white lights or multi-colored lights to create a festive atmosphere. Ensure the lights are evenly distributed around the tree, avoiding bare spots, which will help create a more natural look[3].
Layer Ribbons and Ornaments:
To add depth and realism, layer different types of ribbons and ornaments. Alternate between wide and narrow ribbons to create a sophisticated appearance. Match the color of the ribbons to your ornaments or use bold contrasts to make the tree pop[3].
Balance Decorations:
Mix in ornaments, garlands, and lights to maintain equilibrium, ensuring every element shines without overwhelming the tree. Balance is key to creating a cohesive and realistic look[3].
Pre-Fluffed Trees:
Consider purchasing a pre-fluffed tree, which has been professionally hand-shaped before shipping. This saves time and effort in making the tree look fuller[1].
Easy Plug and Flip Trees:
If you opt for a pre-lit tree, look for features like Easy Plug, which allows light strings to automatically connect through the trunk. Additionally, consider a Flip Tree with a built-in rolling stand for easy setup and storage[1].
Gloves for Fluffing:
Wear gloves while fluffing the branches to avoid scratches and any waxy residue left on some artificial trees[1][4].