Balsam Hill artificial Christmas trees come in compressed sections of branches, which makes shipping and handling easier and more cost-effective. 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 may even look slightly squished or flat right out of the box. This is completely normal and will not affect the final look of your tree once it is fully fluffed. Follow our step-by-step guide and pro tips to get started. You can also contact Customer Service by email or phone if you have any questions. In the meantime, pour a cup of hot cocoa and enlist a tree-fluffing buddy. It’s time to bring your dream 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 catalogue, or on our website. Some trees are designed with 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. In future seasons, it will be easier and quicker to get the tree looking its best.
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. If you have a tree taller than you, work on the top section on the ground first before you add the next section on top for easier fluffing
Step 2: Lift Inner Branches
Lift the inner branches in an alternating pattern. This helps hide the trunk, fills empty spaces, and gives your tree a lush and natural look.
Step 3: Spread Out Mid-Branches
Near the ends of each branch, you’ll find sturdier offshoots in different lengths. Gently spread these outward to add fullness and dimension. Don’t worry if the branch tips don’t all look the same. This variation is intentional and helps create the most realistic, tree-like appearance.
Step 4: Separate the Ends
Quickly and firmly pull apart any branch tips that are stuck together. Balsam Hill branches are designed to be durable, so you can fluff them with confidence for a fuller, more natural look.
Step 5: Tip Details: Upswept or Downswept
Depending on the tree style, some branch tips naturally point upward while others sweep downward or extend straight out. Adjust each tip to follow the tree’s intended silhouette, helping you achieve the most realistic and polished look.
Step 6: Embrace Natural Variation
Just like real evergreens, every tree has its own organic shape. These subtle differences add character and make your tree uniquely yours. Refer to the product photos of your chosen Balsam Hill artificial Christmas tree to see the intended branch direction and overall silhouette as you shape it.
Pro Tips:
Depending on the height and fullness of your tree, plan for two people to spend about 2 to 3 hours fluffing it the first time it comes out of the shipping box.
Ornaments help hide small gaps. If a spot doesn’t look perfect, simply add your favourite ornament.
Step back occasionally to check for any gaps or areas that need more shaping.
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.
How To Shape a BH Balsam Fir Tree
The Balsam Fir features slightly upswept branches and a natural green colour that gives it a signature look. Follow this video for step-by-step guidance on shaping and fluffing your tree so it looks full, lifelike, and truly spectacular for the season.
How To Shape a BH Fraser Fir Tree
Crafted with more than 40 different tip variations, our BH Fraser Fir offers an incredibly realistic look when fluffed and shaped with care. Watch our shaping video to bring out its true-to-nature beauty.
How To Shape a Vermont White Spruce Tree
The Vermont White Spruce features a classic Christmas tree silhouette with strong, well-spaced branches ideal for displaying ornaments. Follow our shaping guide to bring out its full, timeless beauty.
How To Shape a Classic Blue Spruce
Classic Blue Spruce trees feature dense, sturdy foliage with signature silvery-blue tones that create a timeless holiday look.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Make a Christmas Tree Look Bushy?
Making your artificial Christmas tree look full and natural starts with proper fluffing. Work from the inside of the tree outward, spreading and fanning individual branch tips in different directions. This helps fill gaps and creates a lush, dense appearance.
How To Volumize a Christmas Tree?
To add volume, shape each branch by gently bending the tips upward and outward to enhance the silhouette. You can also use decorative picks or garlands to fill noticeable gaps and create a more organic, full-bodied look.
How To Fluff a Christmas Tree Easily?
Fluff the first tree section before adding the next, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Begin with the branches closest to the trunk and spread the tips outward, making sure to fan them to the sides for an even, natural shape.
We recommend setting aside a few hours the first time you fluff your tree. Once shaped, future seasons will be quicker and easier, especially with help from family or friends.
How To Make a Tree Look Flocked?
The safest and easiest way to achieve a snow-kissed look is to choose a frosted tree from Balsam Hill’s collection. Our delicate, natural-looking flocking captures the effect of freshly fallen snow on lifelike foliage, backed by our warranty for lasting beauty year after year.