Flocked Christmas Trees: What Flocking Is, Shedding and Care

A flocked Christmas tree has a synthetic coating on its branches made to look like fresh snow; a frosted tree has a lighter layer. Expect some flocking to shed at setup, so fluff the branches gently instead of shaking them, decorate lightly, and store the tree in a cool, dry place with nothing heavy on top.

What a flocked Christmas tree is

A flocked Christmas tree is a green tree with a snow-like coating. Balsam Hill defines it plainly: “‘Flocked’ refers to a layer of synthetic material applied to Christmas tree branches to resemble snow.” King of Christmas describes the effect as faux snow that “resembles fresh snow adorning its foliage.”

Makers sell the look at different strengths. Balsam Hill lists green, white and “Frosted (lightly flocked)” as its foliage colors, and says “frosted Christmas trees have a lighter layer of artificial snow compared to flocked ones.”

Flocked artificial Christmas trees

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Why flocked trees shed at setup

Shedding is the trade-off that comes with flocking. Balsam Hill says “shedding is the most common concern with flocked trees,” and that it happens mainly during setup, when branches are bent into place. Its advice for that first evening: “Fluff branches gently by pulling outward and fanning individual tips rather than snapping or scraping branches.”

Plan for it. Lay a sheet under the tree while you assemble and shape it, and wear gloves: Balsam Hill includes fluffing gloves with its trees. Shape the branches from the bottom section up, the order Balsam Hill gives for its trees. Once the tree is shaped and standing, set it where it will stay so you handle the branches as little as possible.

Decorating a flocked Christmas tree

A flocked tree needs fewer decorations than a green one, because the white already does a lot of the work. Balsam Hill suggests keeping decorations “minimal for visual balance,” with glass ornaments “for added sparkle or bold colors for a dramatic effect.” Treetopia’s white-tree advice carries over: “bright and colorful ornaments stand out, and so do metallics and neutrals.”

Lights need thought too. King of Christmas notes its pre-lit flocked trees “include a dusting of flocking over the strands and bulbs,” which softens the light. On an unlit flocked tree, Treetopia suggests lights “with white strands so they blend into the foliage.” Our pre-lit tree guide covers light counts by height.

Caring for and storing a flocked tree

Flocked trees ask for gentle handling at both ends of the season. Balsam Hill’s care advice is to “handle gently, avoid shaking, and store carefully in a cool, dry place,” and to avoid “placing heavy items on top of the stored tree.”

King of Christmas adds a warning about damp and heat: “Avoid areas with extreme temperatures or high humidity, because these conditions can damage the flocking.” It suggests a cool, dry spot such as a closet, basement or attic, with silica gel packets in a humid climate.

Other ways to change a tree’s color

A flocked tree is one way to move away from plain green; the artificial Christmas tree guide sets out the others, from height and shape to branch tips.