Artificial Tree Flocking

Availability

• Artificial trees come in a wide range of sizes, from tabletop specimens to towering mammoths. Available in natural green shades or flocked in varying colors, artificial trees can grace a home for a lifetime with proper care. Flocked artificial trees also come adorned with pre-lit lights. The homeowner needs only to add ornaments to complete the tree's appearance. Artificial flocked trees are also available with fiber optic lights. The limbs and needles of the tree shift through a bevy of festive lighted colors for a striking appearance.

Colors

• Flocked trees once were only white to imitate snow, but tree companies soon decided that flocking colors could span the rainbow. Buyers can purchase blue, pink, yellow and purple flocked trees. Some consumers prefer heavily flocked trees, but others like only a light flock coating so the tree's green coloration shows. No matter what the buyer's taste may be, an artificial-flocked tree exists to fit it. Buyers can purchase a pre-flocked artificial tree or have a professional flocking company coat the tree to achieve a specific look.

Flocking Kits

• Do-it-yourself flocking kits also exist that allow a consumer to flock her own real or artificial tree. Widely available during the holidays at home improvement stores, the flocking kits come with the flocking substance and a hand-held sprayer. The user follows the directions on the kit to mix the flocking substance and apply it to the tree's branches. Flocking can also be made from soap flakes, starch and water. Adding food coloring to the substance can change it to various colors. Sprinkle the homemade substance lightly over the artificial tree's branches to create the desired effect.

Dangers

• The flocking used to coat an artificial tree often consists of crushed cellulose, glue and a fire retardant. Although usually non-toxic or only mildly toxic, the flocking on an artificial tree can pose a danger to animals if it is consumed in large quantities. The flocking can clump in the animal's gastrointestinal tract and cause a blockage. The plastic of the artificial tree's needles can also contain lead. Although somewhat fire retardant, flocked artificial trees will emit hydrogen chloride and dioxin when burning.