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- Written By: Sheri Cyprus
- Edited By: Sara Z. Potter
- Last Modified Date: 01 January 2012
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2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
Christmas tree flocking is artificial snow that is applied to a Christmas tree. Both real and manufactured Christmas trees can be flocked and the flocking can look close to real snow in some cases. Christmas tree flocking varies from mixtures made and applied at home, to pre-flocked artificial trees, to professional spraying at nurseries.
Many nurseries use flocking made from cellulose, a derivative of wood, water, spray adhesive and, in many cases, a fire retardant. If flocked trees are popular in your area you can often buy pre-flocked nursery trees or get your Christmas tree custom flocked when you purchase a tree from the nursery. Nursery flockers usually use a spray applicator attached to a hose to flock trees, but flocked trees are not available at all nurseries as flocking tends to be popular only in some regions and not others.
You can buy artificial trees with Christmas tree flocking already on them. 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. Artificial trees that are both pre-flocked and pre-lit with Christmas lights are also available.
Christmas tree flocking mixtures made and applied at home began in the 1940s and 1950s and were popular in some parts of the United States. There were Christmas tree flocking kits you could buy that you created using your vacuum cleaner. The flocking was powdery and was not only available in white, but also in pastel blue and pastel pink. 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 was another popular Christmas tree flocking method.
Today, Christmas tree flocking kits are sold in craft stores. Other flocked accessories are also sometimes made. For example, some 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. Christmas tree flocking used on garlands to decorate stairway banisters, mantels and wreaths often compliments the look of Christmas tree flocking used on the tree.
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Discuss this Article
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anon237956
Post 19 |
Flocked real trees still need water. Flocking does not seal anything it just decorates the needles. The respiration of the tree still goes on. My tree drank over three liters of water in a week and a half. |
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anon131893
Post 17 |
How toxic is the flocking to pets? The ingredients are somewhat vague. My dogs eat everything. Even if I flock the top 2/3rds,some will flake off onto the floor. |
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anon131400
Post 14 |
where can i buy flocking so i can flock trees? i need different colors. |
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anon131291
Post 13 |
do i have to water an artificial flocked tree? just asking. |
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anon131113
Post 12 |
What they're saying is you cannot recycle the trees into paper if they're flocked. Chill. |
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anon131038
Post 11 |
Flocked trees are not recyclable? Give me a break! Tell me that the tree will not break down into compost over the years, especially if it's buried! Tell me the cellulose flocking will not break down due to bacteria and the other forces of nature. Typical tree-hugger crap. |
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anon123839
Post 10 |
I have read from several sources that you still must water a cut tree even if it's been flocked. The flock will help to keep in moisture so you might not need to water as often, but watering is still necessary! |
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anon122387
Post 9 |
You have to water all cut trees. The flocking is only ornamental and does serve as a flame retardant, but everything has to be watered. Keep them away from your fire places, air vents and returns. This dries them out faster. -- A real Christmas Tree Grower (and I flock trees.) |
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anon57079
Post 8 |
I bought a flocked tree this year and in two weeks it just droops and is falling apart. It was so beautiful when we bought it, but I'm really not happy with it now. They told us not to water it at all. Ugh! Won't even last till Christmas! |
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anon54760
Post 7 |
You have to water all real trees! |
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anon54692
Post 6 |
thanks. you have answered my question. I was wondering if you were supposed to water a flocked tree.
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anon53814
Post 4 |
A flocked tree is not as huge a fire hazard as one that is not. |
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anon23740
Post 3 |
It should be mentioned flocked trees are not recyclable and end up in landfills... Don't Flock! |
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AuthorSheriC
Post 2 |
No. Flocked trees are not supposed to need watering as the flocking process is meant to seal in the tree's pores. |
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anon21996
Post 1 |
do you need to water a flocked cut tree? |
