What Causes Brown Spots on an Artificial White Tree?

Insects

• Unwanted pests in your home may be the cause of brown spots on your tree. When insects such as cockroaches or bedbugs live in or infest your home, you may find brown spots in your bedding, walls, mattress, clothes, pet beds, furniture or closet. The feces of some insect types look like small brown spots or streaks. If you keep the artificial white tree near such an insect nest, the insects may find a new home in the decorative item.

Smoking

• If you or someone in the home smokes tobacco products, the nicotine and tar in the exhaled smoke can cause brown spots to form on an artificial white tree. Because these types of spots are greasy, they can become dark brown in color and more difficult to remove over time. If you do not clean the artificial tree regularly with a household cleaner or you fail to remove the spots as they form, the brown stains can become permanent.

Humidity

• If you leave your artificial white tree outdoors, or if your home does not have temperature and/or humidity controls, the brown spots may be a result of mold or mildew. Mold thrives where there is moisture and humidity, and mold growth can form brown spots or be yellowish in color with brown specks. If your artificial tree is outdoors, bring it inside your home. However, if the tree is already inside your home, you can control the humidity level by adjusting or using your HVAC unit or using a dehumidifier. If the white artificial tree is in your bathroom, turn on the fan as you shower and leave it on for at least 30 minutes after you finish.

Not Using Acid-Free Adhesives

• If the artificial tree manufacturer did not use an acid-free adhesive to make the decorative item, the glue can begin to darken with time and form brown spots. While you cannot control the type of adhesive a manufacturer uses, you can inquire about the products used to assemble the artificial tree by asking the store that sells the item or by contacting the manufacturer directly.