If you believe that the holiday season should be covered in snow, but you're stuck in a hot climate, a flocked tree could be a good solution to your lack of white Christmas. These trees are covered in a material known as flocking to imitate the look of a pine tree loaded down with snow. Flocking is available on fresh and artificial trees with artificial trees providing years of festive celebrations.
If a full-size, pre-lit flocked tree that's durable and easy to assemble is on your Christmas list, the Best Choice Products Pre-Lit Flocked Christmas Tree is a good choice.
Flocked artificial Christmas trees come in two styles: pre-lit and bare-branched.
As with all types of Christmas trees, size is important. You'll need a tree that fills the space without overwhelming your daily life. Most living rooms can handle a tree that is 6 to 8 feet tall, but if you live in a small apartment or studio, select a tabletop version.
Flocked Christmas trees can have realistic needles or what is known as “classic” needles.
It is possible to get a flocked Christmas tree with a combination of both of these types of needles. In this case, the realistic needles are on the outer edges of the tree, while the classic ones are closer to the base and trunk to make the tree appear more solid.
If you select a pre-lit Christmas tree, the best ones have approximately 100 lights for every 1.5 feet. This does vary depending on if the lights are LED or incandescent — you won’t need as many LED lights. For easy reference:
Anything less and your lighting may not be as bright as you want.
As with lighting, the quantity and quality of the flocking matter. Most flocking is made of some combination of cellulose fibers and adhesive, and the amount applied affects the finished look. If you want your living room to look like a blizzard has just blown through, choose a tree with heavier flocking applied.
For households with young children and pets, safety is of paramount importance. Check the flocked tree you select to make sure it is safe for your youngest family members. This means:
The price varies depending on the size of the tree and whether it is pre-lit. Expect to spend $100-$249.
A. That depends on how well you care for them. The main issue with artificial flocked trees is that the snow sheds easily when bumped against in storage. To prevent this, store your tree upright, and cover it with plastic wrap or trash bags to protect it for the next season.
With diligent care, your flocked tree should last two to four years.
A. Yes. Some revelers like the look of flocking on a natural tree, and there are kits that can help you make that happen. You can purchase a specialized kit, spray-on flocking or a bag of artificial snow to add to your branches.
Because some spray-on flocking contains chemical irritants, it's best to complete this job outside with proper safety gear. Follow the directions for application carefully, including drying times, before adding lights and ornaments.
Best Choice Products Pre-Lit Flocked Christmas Tree
What you need to know: This is a good midsize tree that is sturdy enough for all of your favorite decorations.
What you’ll love: It's 7.5 feet tall and flocked heavily for a full, snow-covered appearance. It is pre-lit with white lights and comes in three sizes. The flame retardant PVC branches are easy to assemble in three sections. It comes on a sturdy metal base to prevent tipping.
What you should consider: Some people noted that the lights are not very bright.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Decoway Pre-Lit Artificial Flocked Pencil Christmas Tree
What you need to know: This pencil-style budget pick has a smaller footprint when space is limited.
What you’ll love: It uses a mixed needle design and realistic flocking for a natural appearance. It's lit with LED lights for more economical illumination. It comes in three sections on an iron frame for easy installation and storage.
What you should consider: The tree is very slender, so it’s not for you if you prefer a fuller look.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Pro Pre-Lit Artificial Flocked Mini Christmas Tree
What you need to know: If you want the look of the holidays without the fuss of a full-size tree, this is perfect.
What you’ll love: It is 20 inches tall and comes with a rustic burlap base. It comes lit with LED lights on 70 individually crafted branches that can be styled up or down. It is also available in a 12-inch version.
What you should consider: When first opened, the branches need to be individually positioned.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Suzannah Kolbeck writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
