Flocking a Christmas tree means that artificial snow is applied to a Christmas tree. Christmas tree flocking mixtures made and applied at home began in the 1940s and 1950s, and became popular in some parts of the United States. Both real and artificial Christmas trees can be flocked. There are different types of Christmas tree flocking available, from mixtures made and applied at home, to pre-flocked artificial trees, to professional spraying of live Christmas trees at nurseries.

Many flocking used are made from cellulose, a derivative of wood, water, spray adhesive, and fire retardant. You can buy pre-flocked artificial Christmas trees. There are many sizes and choices, from all-over Christmas tree flocking to flocking just on parts of the branches. Flocking can yellow over time. Pre-flocked and pre-lit artificial Christmas trees are also available.

For the do-it-yourself folks, there are tree-flocking kits you can buy in craft stores. Some of these flocking kits include glue, ornaments and Christmas tree flocking. The glue is placed on the ornament in a pattern and then the flocking is sprinkled on to stick to the glued areas. The flocking comes in powder form available in white and other pastel colors of your choice. Making a mixture of soap flakes, starch and water with a bit of blue food coloring and applying that to the tree to look like a dusting of cold, fresh snow is another popular Christmas tree flocking method.

Christmas tree flocking used on garlands to decorate stairway banisters, mantels and wreathes often complements the look of your flocked tree.

Additional Resources