Whats the difference between frosted and flocked Christmas tree?

“What is a flocked Christmas tree” is one of the questions that often come up when decorating Christmas trees with artificial snow. In this guide, we talk about the difference of flocked from FROSTED ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREES and answer commonly asked questions about them.

Whats the difference between frosted and flocked Christmas tree?

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While frosted and flocked both mean to cover a tree with artificial snow, there are key differences between the two. The boughs on flocked Christmas trees appear heavily weighed down, similar to the snow on trees you’ll find in extremely high-altitude areas. Frosted trees, on the other hand, look more like a soft dusting of snow has fallen onto the branches.

What Does A Flocked Christmas Tree Mean?

Flocked trees have clumps of artificial snow coating their branches, resembling real ones after an overnight snowfall. They also have more flocking than frosted Christmas trees, making the branches appear more covered with snow. You can buy pre-flocked artificial trees or flock your own to achieve this style.

LEARN HOW TO FLOCK A CHRISTMAS TREE

If you have a flocked Christmas tree, keep your decorations minimal for visual balance. Hang glass ORNAMENTS for added sparkle or choose bold colors for a dramatic effect. Coordinate the look throughout your home by incorporating flocked wreaths and garlands in various areas.

What Does Flocking A Christmas Tree Mean?

Flocking involves applying a heavy amount of faux snow to Christmas trees. The goal is to make them look like their natural counterparts on mountains during a winter storm. Keep in mind, however, that flocking can fall off over time and leave bare patches in tree branches. It’s for this reason that we recommend using frosted artificial Christmas trees instead.

What Is A Frosted Christmas Tree?

Frosted Christmas trees have a lighter layer of artificial snow than flocked ones. They have natural-looking frosting at the branch tips, resembling freshly fallen snow. Although some snowflakes may fall off over the years, it does so evenly without leaving large patches. Go for a frosted artificial Christmas tree if you want a simpler and more versatile holiday evergreen.

Frosted Christmas Decorations & Accessories

Complement your snow-frosted Christmas tree with matching greenery. Think frosted GARLANDS draped across your fireplace mantel or a frosted WREATH and POTTED TREES on your front door or patio. You can also put frosted TABLETOP TREES on the console table to liven up your foyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some of the most common queries about flocked or frosted Christmas trees.

Are Flocked And Frosted Christmas Trees Messy?

Pre-frosted and pre-flocked Christmas trees are less messy than DIY-flocked ones. Although some faux snow may fall off over the years, you can make their beauty last longer through proper care and storage. Read our GUIDE to learn more.

How Long Do Frosted And Flocked Christmas Trees Last?

Real trees that have been flocked and frosted can only last up to 2-4 weeks, while artificial ones can last for years if stored properly in a cool, dry place during the off-season.

How Do You Prevent Flocked And Frosted Trees From Yellowing?

One of the best ways to prevent yellowing of flocked and frosted trees is to clean them before storage. This will lessen the chances of dust and dirt accumulation, which is the main reason for artificial snow turning yellow. Follow the instructions below:

  1. After taking down your tree lights and decorations, gently clean your Christmas tree with a feather duster or clean cloth.
  2. Wrap the branch tips with gift tissue paper before putting the tree inside its storage bag.
  3. Choose a cool, dry area to keep your tree where it won’t get direct sunlight or water damage.

Flocked trees have been around since the mid-1900s and haven’t gone out of style since. As long as people want to bring the magic of a snowy forest indoors, you can expect to see more of them in the years to come.

Enchant loved ones with Balsam Hill’s frosted Christmas trees this season. Browse our full selection on our website.

SHOP FROSTED TREES

LEARN MORE

Read these next for more guides and decorating tips on Balsam Hill’s frosted Christmas trees:

HOW TO CARE FOR AND CLEAN FROSTED CHRISTMAS TREES

HOW TO FLOCK A CHRISTMAS TREE

Whats the difference between frosted and flocked Christmas tree?

So you want to create a snowfallen setting this Christmas, but can’t choose between a flocked or frosted artificial Christmas tree. Our helpful tips will help you decide which one to pick so you can create a memorable winter wonderland year after year.

Whats the difference between frosted and flocked Christmas tree?

For a freshly fallen snow look, frosted artificial Christmas trees are your best bet. The look of the artificial snow on a frosted Christmas tree makes a subtle statement and looks very delicate. Choose a frosted Christmas tree if you want the simple and classic look that reflects the look of freshly fallen snow.

Frosted Artificial Christmas Trees Recommendations

  • Frosted Hampton Artificial Christmas Tree
  • Frosted Frasier Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree
  • Frosted Frasier Artificial Christmas Tree

Flocked Christmas Trees

Whats the difference between frosted and flocked Christmas tree?

On the other end of the seasonal spectrum, we have flocked Christmas trees whose snowy coating is more like midwinter during everyone’s favorite snow day off. The voluminous look that flocked Christmas trees create are due to the longer needles that are coated with thick, sometimes chunky, artificial snow. Choose a flocked Christmas tree if you want to create a bold statement that’s the true star and center of your Christmas décor and take it a step further with a pre-lit version.

Flocked Artificial Christmas Trees‎ Recommendation

  • Unlit Flocked Tree
  • Flocked White Pine Tree
  • Flocked Slim Pine Tree
  • Flocked Utica Tree w/ Clear Lights

Frosted Christmas Accessories

Whats the difference between frosted and flocked Christmas tree?

If you’re going for a frosted Christmas tree, there are plenty of extras you can use to decorate the surrounding areas. Complement your frosted Christmas tree from across the room with table and mantle decorations. Match your nearby table setting with something snowy like a frosted tree statue or add a warm glow with candles and frosted candle rings. But if you just want to add some frost here and there, you can simply add frosted Christmas sprays in a vase, worked into the Christmas tree, or garland.

Frosted Christmas Accessory Recommendations

  • 30″ Frosted Mix Zavala Pine Wreath 
  • 29″ Holiday Tree Statue ‎
  • Mixed Pine & Berry Candle Ring Set
  • 28″ Frosted Pine Berry Christmas Spray

Flocked Christmas Accessories

Whats the difference between frosted and flocked Christmas tree?

Since flocked Christmas trees have a bold aesthetic, choosing the right ornaments is essential. ‎Loading the tree with too many can make it look heavy and create a stuffy setting, so decorate with a set of classic ball ornaments in red and silver, purple or blue. For more drama, choose ornaments in various textures to that make it sparkle. Coordinate the ornaments with colored Flocked Wreaths‎ in traditional green, red or get creative with eccentric and vivid blue or purple. Placed on an adjacent wall, inside or outside, these are colorful surprises guests and family members will never see coming. ‎

Flocked Christmas Accessory Recommendations

  • Set of 20 Purple ‎& Orchid Ball Ornaments
  • Flocked Red Wreath w/ Red Lights‎
  • Flocked Purple Wreath w/ Purple Lights
  • Pre-Lit Flocked Pencil Pine Garland

-Dana Rosenwasser

What is a frosted Christmas tree called?

The answer is quite simple: A flocked Christmas tree is an artificial Christmas tree that has been treated (by a method called flocking) to look as though it's covered in freshly fallen snow.

What is the difference between flocked and unflocked Christmas tree?

Flocked trees have clumps of artificial snow coating their branches, resembling real ones after an overnight snowfall. They also have more flocking than frosted Christmas trees, making the branches appear more covered with snow. You can buy pre-flocked artificial trees or flock your own to achieve this style.

Should I get a frosted Christmas tree?

For a freshly fallen snow look, frosted artificial Christmas trees are your best bet. The look of the artificial snow on a frosted Christmas tree makes a subtle statement and looks very delicate. Choose a frosted Christmas tree if you want the simple and classic look that reflects the look of freshly fallen snow.

Do frosted Christmas trees shed?

These trees have been professionally flocked and sealed, so the mess from them should be minimal. You're likely to have some of the "snow" shed a bit each time you take it out of its container, or string the lights, but other than that, you're looking at a pretty neat tree.