How to Use Picks and Sprays to Fill Out a Christmas Tree

What Are Picks and Sprays?

Picks are single stems with a decorative head, such as a cluster of berries, a floral bloom, or a glittered shape. Sprays branch into multiple tips, mimicking natural foliage clusters or cascading berry stems. Both have stiff wires or plastic stems designed to push into branch gaps and stay in place without additional support.

These accessories are a quick way to correct sparse spots on an artificial tree, whether you are working with a pre-lit model or an unlit one. They work especially well on trees with open branch structures, like pencil trees or slim trees, but they also add depth to full trees.

Where to Place Picks for Maximum Fill

Start by fluffing your tree completely so you can see the natural gaps. Focus on the middle third of the tree, where branches tend to spread and interior spaces become most visible. Insert picks at an angle, pushing the stem into the branch hub and then adjusting the decorative head to face outward.

Use them in three main zones: near the trunk to mask the pole, at branch tips to extend the silhouette, and in mid-branch areas to add volume. For the trunk area, tuck picks deep so only the decorative head shows. At the tips, let picks angle slightly upward or outward to mimic natural growth. Filling gaps can also be done with extra branch tips, but picks are the fastest tool.

Choosing Berry, Floral, or Glitter Picks

Your choice of pick style should follow your overall theme. Berry picks, often red or gold, add a rustic or traditional feel and pair well with natural tones. Floral picks, such as poinsettias or magnolia blooms, bring a whimsical or vintage look, especially useful for themed trees like Victorian or farmhouse.

Glitter picks, with metallic stems and shimmering leaves, are ideal for modern or glam rooms. They catch light and add sparkle without competing with your existing ornament finish. For a white or flocked tree, consider picks with contrasting colors to make them pop, as discussed in white Christmas tree decorating.

How Many Picks Does Your Tree Need?

There is no fixed quantity because tree density varies. A good approach is to start with a dozen picks for a 7-foot tree and then add or remove based on what you see. Step back after every few additions to judge whether the tree looks fuller without feeling cluttered.

If your tree is already dense, you may only need a handful to fill a couple of visible voids. For a sparse tree or a model with fewer branch tips, you might use more. The goal is to create an even, natural silhouette. You can also use picks to guide the eye upward, so placing a few higher up near the topper helps balance the overall shape.

Using Picks on Different Tree Shapes and Sizes

Tree height and width change how many picks you need. A tabletop tree might only require two or three small picks, while a large full tree can absorb a dozen or more without looking busy. For slim trees, use picks sparingly along the sides to avoid making the tree look wider than it is.

On pencil trees, place picks at the branch ends to create a graceful taper, and put a few near the trunk to hide the pole. For very tall trees, such as 9-foot models, you may need to work in sections, adding picks while the tree is partially assembled so you can reach inner areas comfortably.

Combining Picks with Other Decorations

Add picks before hanging ornaments so you can position them between ornament clusters rather than behind them. Use picks to anchor ribbon or garland, sliding the pick stem through the garland and into the branch to hold it in place. They also help secure a tree topper, by tucking the topper's base among the pick stems.

If your tree is pre-lit, be deliberate about where picks go. Angle pick stems to avoid flattening light strands, and place them so the bulbs remain visible. This keeps the glow intact while adding color. For a flocked tree, picks with dark berries or metallic leaves create a striking contrast against the white silhouette.

Safety and Care

While picks themselves do not pose electrical risks, their placement can affect your tree's safety. Keep your tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces and vents, following guidance from the U.S. Fire Administration. Ensure your tree does not block exits, and if you use picks on a pre-lit tree, check that the lights are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as Intertek's ETL listing.

Inspect picks each year for loose heads or bent stems that could fall off. Keep them out of reach of small children and pets, as some berries and glitter pieces can become choking hazards. Store picks in a box with dividers or wrap stems in tissue paper to prevent bending. With care, they can last for many seasons.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I use picks on a pre-lit tree?

Yes. Angle the pick stems to avoid covering the light strands, and push them into branch hubs rather than over bulbs. This keeps the glow intact while adding decorative fullness.

How do I keep picks from falling out?

Make sure the stem is long enough to reach into the branch hub, and insert it at an angle so the head catches on adjacent branches. If a pick feels loose, bend the stem slightly to create friction.

Should I fluff the tree before adding picks?

Always fluff first. A properly fluffed tree shows you exactly where gaps are, so you can place picks precisely. See how to fluff a Christmas tree for a step-by-step guide.

Can picks damage my artificial tree?

Not if you insert them gently into the branch spaces. Avoid forcing thick stems through dense branch clusters, which could bend or snap the branch tips. Use smaller picks for tight spots.

How should I store picks after the season?

Keep them in a sturdy box with dividers, or wrap each pick in tissue paper. Avoid crushing them under heavy items, as the stems can bend and lose their shape. With proper storage, they will look fresh next year.