How to Flock a Live Christmas Tree

The trend for flocking a Christmas tree started around the1940s. You might be wondering, what, exactly, is a flocked Christmas tree? A flocked Christmas tree has a substance applied which resembles snow. Perhaps the Bing Crosby movie and song 'White Christmas' made the flocked Christmas tree all the more popular; by the 1950s the flocked Christmas tree fashion was commonplace in American homes. Today, many people still want the flocked Christmas tree look. However, flocking a live Christmas tree takes some preparation and the right products.

There are several options for flocking a Christmas tree which is live. An easy option is to buy one from a Christmas tree seller which is already flocked. The owners of some Christmas tree nurseries like to create a flocked Christmas tree look. They apply the flocking with a hose to many trees at once.

You can also purchase supplies to create your own flocked Christmas tree at home from a craft supply store. Make absolutely sure that you purchase a kit for flocking a Christmas tree which is safe and suitable for your live tree. Also, keep in mind that some decorations are not compatible with flocking. For instance, Christmas lights which get very hot should not be used. They can pose a fire risk regardless of if you use Christmas tree flocking or not.

Read the instructions and specifications of the product thoroughly before purchasing. Applying a product which is not appropriate to a live tree can create a disaster. Some craft stores sell spray cans of artificial 'snow' which can be applied to a Christmas tree. You should always follow the safety instructions and apply these products outside where there is good ventilation.

Wear safety goggles, a ventilation mask and protective gloves. Make sure to apply the product before you decorate the tree - otherwise you will end up turning all your decorations white! Concentrate on the top sides of the branches, where the tree would naturally accumulate snow for a realistic look.

Alternatively, you might want to try a homemade approach to create a flocked Christmas tree. Below is an article for how to create a flocked Christmas tree look by applying a mixture of starch and soap flakes. Please see the link at the end of this article for some instructions on how to create a homemade product for flocking a Christmas tree.