Artificial Tree Set Up Guide

A good artificial tree looks full and natural, but only once it has been set up properly. Most of the work is in two steps people tend to rush: choosing the right spot and fluffing the branches. This guide takes you from measuring your room to putting the tree away after Christmas, with the order that saves the most time.

1. Choose the spot and the right height

Measure before you open the box. Three numbers matter:

• Ceiling height: leave at least 15–20cm between the top of the tree and the ceiling for the tree topper. A 7ft tree is about 210cm tall, so it suits rooms with a ceiling of around 240cm or more.
• Floor space: the bottom branches spread wider than the stand. Check the base width on the product page and leave room to walk around the tree.
• Socket: pre-lit trees and light strings need power, so place the tree within reach of a wall socket rather than running cables across a walkway.

Keep the tree away from heaters, direct sunlight and spots where it can be knocked over. In smaller flats, a slim tree or a tabletop Christmas tree gives you the look without blocking the room.

2. Assemble the stand and sections

1. Open the stand and set it on a flat, level floor. Tighten any screws or bolts that come with it before adding weight.
2. Start with the bottom section. Push the pole fully into the stand so it sits straight and does not wobble.
3. Add the middle section(s), then the top. Our trees have hinged branches, so each section arrives folded and drops open as you lift it into place.
4. Pre-lit trees: join the light connector between each section. If one section stays dark, check that its connector is pushed in fully.

Once the tree stands straight, a tree skirt covers the stand and catches loose needles. Choose one at least as wide as the lowest branches; the tree skirt guide explains how to measure.

3. Fluff the branches

This is the step that makes the tree look full. Put on long sleeves and gloves first, as the tips can scratch.

1. Work from the bottom up. It is easier to fluff each section before adding the next one, while you can still reach the inner branches.
2. Start near the pole. On each branch, separate the tips closest to the trunk first, then work outwards.
3. Fan out the tips: one to the left, one to the right and one pointing up, so they fill the space between branches instead of lying flat.
4. Finish with a slight upward curve on the outer tips for an even shape, then step back and fill any gaps by moving nearby branches.

Allow time: a 6–7ft tree can take up to an hour. If a few gaps remain, faux pine sprays, boxwood and pine cones tucked into the branches fill them and add texture.

4. Add lights before anything else

Lights always go on first, because they are hard to add once ornaments are on the branches.

• Test the string before you hang it. Plug it in on the floor and check every light works.
• Start at the bottom, near the socket, and work upwards. Weave the string in towards the trunk and back out along each branch, so the tree glows from inside rather than only on the surface.
• How many lights: many decorators start from about 100 lights per 30cm (1ft) of tree height for a bright look, and use fewer for a softer glow. A pre-lit tree can take an extra string if you want it brighter.
• Mains or battery: mains-operated strings suit full-size trees and have a long lead before the first light, so the plug reaches the socket while the lights start at the base. Battery-operated strings suit tabletop trees and spots without a socket.

Switch the lights off when you go out or go to bed, and keep cables away from heaters and walkways.

5. Decorate in the right order

Following this order means you will not have to take anything off to fit something else in:

1. Tree topper: fit it while you can still reach the top easily. See the tree topper guide for sizing.
2. Garland or ribbon: drape it in loose swags or a spiral from top to bottom. The garland guide shows both methods.
3. Ornaments: hang the largest first, spaced evenly, then fill in with smaller ones. Hang some deeper inside the branches for depth. Ornament hooks make this quicker and keep spacing even. The ornament guide helps you work out how many you need.
4. Picks and fillers: add these last to fill gaps and tie the colours together.

For complete colour schemes, see the tree decoration guide.

6. Take down and store the tree

1. Remove all decorations and lights first. Wrap light strings loosely around a piece of card so they do not tangle, and keep hooks in a small box.
2. Take the tree apart from the top down. Lift each section straight up, out of the one below.
3. Fold the branches up towards the pole on each section, then the bottom section can come out of the stand.
4. Pack the sections into the original box or a storage bag and tape or zip it shut.
5. Store it somewhere cool and dry, away from sunlight. Hong Kong summers are humid, so avoid damp spaces such as next to a bathroom, and do not store the tree while it is wet.

Common questions

Why does my tree still look thin?

Usually the branches need more fluffing, especially the tips closest to the trunk. Go back over each section, separating every tip. If gaps remain, add picks and fillers.

Can I add more lights to a pre-lit tree?

Yes. Add an extra string, woven in the same way as above, and plug it into a socket as the light string's instructions allow.

Should I fluff the tree before or after it is assembled?

Either works. Fluffing each section before adding the next is easier because you can reach the inner branches, then do a final check once the whole tree is up.

Shop the products in this guide

Browse the full range used in this guide. Availability changes during the season, so check each product page for current options.

Artificial Christmas treesTabletop Christmas treesChristmas lightsTree skirtsPicks & fillersTree toppers