How to Decorate an Artificial Fall Tree for Autumn

An artificial fall tree can bring autumn color into your home with very little effort. Start by choosing a tree that fits your space and is pre-lit for easy ambiance. Then shape the foliage using the product images as a guide.

Once your tree is styled, decide how much decorating you want to do. Leave the tree as it is, or add ribbon, garland, stems, or small ornaments.

These simple fall tree decor ideas make it easy to create a look that fits your home and decorating style.

Step 1: Choose Your Artificial Fall Tree

Start with a tree that fits the room and the look you want.

Nearly Natural's artificial fall trees come in many heights, colors, and foliage styles. Some feature bright red, orange, and gold leaves. Others use softer shades for a more neutral autumn look.

Smaller trees can add seasonal color to consoles, side tables, and other compact spaces. Taller trees work well in living rooms, dining rooms, and entryway corners.

You can also choose a fall tree with lights. Pre-lit trees add a warm glow without requiring extra decorations. Browse lighted fall trees for ready-to-display options.

A plain green artificial tree can also become part of your fall decor. Add accessories in autumn colors to give it a seasonal update. However, a tree with fall-colored foliage already creates an autumn look before you add anything else.

Step 2: Shape Your Tree

Always shape an artificial tree after taking it out of the box.

Gently spread and adjust the foliage until the tree looks full and natural. Move around the tree as you work so you can check it from different angles.

Use the product images on the Nearly Natural website as a guide. They can show you how the finished tree should look.

Once you finish shaping, step back and look at the whole tree. Adjust any areas that still look pressed together or uneven.

At this point, your indoor fall tree is ready to display. The decorating ideas below are optional.

Optional Fall Tree Decorations

You do not need to decorate an artificial fall tree. Its foliage can provide plenty of color on its own.

If you want to add more detail, try one or two of these ideas.

Add Ribbon or Garland

Ribbon is an easy way to bring another color or pattern to your tree.

Loosely weave sections of ribbon through the foliage from top to bottom. Keep some of the ribbon visible instead of covering it with leaves. Use floral wire to secure it where needed.

You can also add an autumn garland. Choose colors and details that work with the tree instead of covering its existing foliage.

Add Artificial Stems

Artificial stems can add extra texture or color to specific areas.

Try autumn leaves, berries, wheat-style stems, or other seasonal foliage. Place a few between the tree's existing leaves.

Colors such as rust, orange, burgundy, brown, and gold work well for fall tree decorations.

You do not need many stems. A few pieces can add variety while allowing the tree's original foliage to remain the focus.

Add Lightweight Ornaments

Small ornaments can give your fall tree a more decorative look.

Try pumpkins, acorns, pinecones, leaves, or other autumn designs. Choose lightweight pieces that are easy to hang without pulling down the foliage.

For a simple look, repeat one type of ornament across the tree. You can also mix a few related designs for a more layered display.

Add a Decorative Pot or Planter

Many artificial trees come in a basic nursery pot. Some already include a decorative planter.

If your tree comes in a nursery pot, place it inside your own planter, pot, or basket. This simple change can help the tree blend with the rest of your room.

Woven baskets, ceramic planters, and neutral pots all work well with fall colors.

You can also place a few small faux pumpkins near the tree if you want to extend the seasonal display around the base.

Where to Style an Indoor Fall Tree

Since artificial trees do not need sunlight, you have more freedom when choosing where to place them.

Use a taller tree in a living room corner, beside a fireplace, or near a side table. An entryway is another good option because the tree introduces fall color as soon as guests enter your home.

Smaller trees can sit on tables, shelves, and consoles.

Pre-lit trees work especially well in living rooms and other gathering spaces. The lights add a soft glow in the evening while the foliage provides autumn color during the day.

For seasonal ideas near an exterior entrance, see how to style a front porch with artificial fall plants. 

Transition Your Tree from Fall to Christmas

Some artificial fall tree ideas can continue into the holiday season.

If you added fall decorations, remove pumpkins, autumn ribbon, and other seasonal accents after Thanksgiving. You can then add holiday decorations that work with the color of your tree.

Green trees are especially easy to transition into traditional Christmas decor. Trees with orange, red, or gold foliage can create a less traditional holiday look.

You can also keep the tree simple and change only a few small accents.

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Fall Tree Decor FAQs

Can you turn a Christmas tree into a fall tree?

Yes. Add autumn-colored ribbon, artificial leaves, seasonal stems, pumpkins, or lightweight ornaments to a green artificial Christmas tree. You can also choose an artificial tree that already has fall-colored foliage. This gives you an autumn look without needing to add as many decorations.

When should you put up a fall tree?

Many people begin decorating fall trees in late August or early September and keep them up through Thanksgiving. You can also follow your own seasonal decorating schedule. After Thanksgiving, remove the fall accents or replace them with holiday decorations if you want to keep using the tree.

What do you put under a fall tree?

If your tree comes in a nursery pot, place it inside a decorative planter, pot, or basket. If the tree already comes in a decorative planter, you can display it as is. You can also add a few small faux pumpkins nearby for extra autumn color.

How do you make an artificial fall tree look better?

Start by shaping the foliage using the product images as a guide. Place a nursery pot inside a decorative planter or basket for a finished look. You can also add a few optional details, such as ribbon, artificial stems, lightweight ornaments, or LED lights (if you did not purchase a lighted tree).

Create a Fall Look That Fits Your Home

An artificial fall tree can make a seasonal statement without extra decorations. Choose the right tree, shape the foliage, and place it where the autumn colors can stand out.

If you want a more decorated look, add a few simple details such as ribbon, garland, artificial stems, or lightweight ornaments.

Artificial fall trees require no watering and create lasting seasonal color from early fall through Thanksgiving, year after year.

Explore Nearly Natural's fall tree collection to find a style for your autumn home decor.