Tree Assembly Instructions
Get organized first
Identify the bottom section, locate all plugs, and confirm how many sections your tree has before you begin.
Build from the bottom up
Assemble the stand, insert each section in order, and connect lighting correctly to avoid blown fuses.
Shape for fullness
Fan each branch from the pole outward and shape one section at a time for the most realistic finished look.
On this page
Jump to the exact section you need.
Getting Started
Before assembly, identify the correct base section, check your cords, and confirm how your tree is divided.
Before you assemble
Choose a location near a wall outlet. Remove all contents from the box and arrange the parts where they will be easy to access. Inspect the tree for any cut, damaged, or frayed wires before use or reuse.
Know your section count
Trees 5' and under usually have two sections. Trees from 6' to 8' typically have three sections. Trees 9' and taller may have four to five sections.
Identify the bottom section first
- Tree sections are labeled from bottom to top, usually A, B, and Top.
- The bottom section is the only section with a tapered or pointed pole end.
- It often also has the longest electrical cord, which is usually long enough to plug directly into the wall.
- Start with this section every time.
Understand your plugs before connecting anything
- Each section will have a male electrical plug that either connects to the wall or to the section below.
- Any long extension-style cord that extends more than 3 feet from the bottom of a section should plug directly into the wall.
- Short lighting-style cords usually plug into the female outlet near the top of the next lower section.
- Important: if your tree has more than one long extension cord, all of those long cords must plug directly into the wall. Plugging them into another extension cord within the tree can cause blown fuses.
Structural Assembly
Build the tree from the base upward, shaping as you go and connecting power correctly section by section.
Assemble the base
Open the stand legs into an X-shape, align the holes, and insert the eyebolt. Do not thread it so far that it protrudes into the pole opening. One screw is usually enough for most trees.
Insert the bottom section
Remove any plastic pole protector, insert the pole fully into the stand, and finger-tighten the eyebolt gently. Do not overtighten. Potted trees do not require this step.
Start shaping immediately
Once the bottom section is secured, shape that first section before moving higher. This makes assembly cleaner and helps the tree fill out more evenly.
For each additional section
- Identify the next section and remove any plastic pole protector.
- Insert it into the mating location on the section below.
- Locate the male plug from that section and determine whether it is a standard Christmas light cord or a long extension cord.
- If it is a long extension cord, run it down the pole to the floor and plug it directly into the wall or power strip later. Do not plug long extension cords into another extension cord within the tree.
- If it is a short light or short extension-style plug, connect it to the available female outlet on the previous section, usually near the top foot of that section.
- You may need to remove a safety plug cover to access that outlet.
- Topper: shape the topper before installing it whenever possible, then insert it and connect the cord the same way as the other sections.
Shaping Your Tree
This is the part that makes the biggest visual difference. Shape one row and one section at a time for the fullest result.
Release one row at a time
After securing the bottom section, remove only the first tie cord and let that level fall gently into place. Some hinges may need a light lift and outward pull. Save the cord if you will store the tree in its original box later.
Fan from the pole outward
Starting at the pole, lift individual tips up and outward into a fan shape. As you move farther out on the branch, offset each grouped fan so the spokes do not line up with the previous group.
Angle outer tips outward
The outermost tip groups should angle outward instead of straight up. This creates a more natural silhouette and better mimics how real branches finish at the ends.
Light only briefly while tied
You may momentarily plug in a section to check light placement, but never leave the lights on while tied branches are pressed together. The trapped heat can damage foliage and creates a fire risk.
Finish the lower section before moving up
- Shape every branch on the current level before releasing the next tied level above it.
- Continue until the entire lower section is fully shaped.
- Then add the next tree section, connect its electrical cords, and repeat.
- The topper is often easiest to shape in your hand before inserting it onto the tree.
- Once fully assembled, plug the tree into the wall and enjoy.
Dealing with a Loose Hinge Pin
If a branch comes loose from the center pole assembly, you can usually correct it quickly.
- Insert the loose branch back into the hinge bracket.
- Insert the replacement hinge pin through the hinge bracket on the pole.
- Make sure the hinge is secured with the washer at the end of the hinge pin.
If the Tree Does Not Light Up
Start with the easiest checks first before assuming there is a larger problem.
- Make sure the power cord is securely plugged into the wall and that the outlet has power.
- If the wall outlet has a switch, make sure it is turned on.
- If your tree has multiple sections, test each section individually in the wall outlet.
- Check that every section is plugged securely into the correct sockets along the center pole.
- Inspect the fuse in the plug that goes to the wall. Each section has a fuse in its plug. A blown fuse usually has a visibly broken wire inside the glass tube. Mini lights use a 5 amp fuse; thicker extension cords use 25 amp fuses.
One Section of the Tree Will Not Light
If only one section is dark, the issue is usually local to that section’s connection, fuse, or bulb seating.
- Find the end of the unlit light set and make sure it is plugged into the correct socket inside the tree.
- Inspect the fuse in the plug for that light set if the whole strand is out.
- If the set is still dark, check for a bad or loose bulb.
If a bulb may be the cause
Check for missing or broken bulbs
Inspect each bulb in the unlit portion. Replace missing or broken bulbs. You should have extras that came with the tree. If needed, click here for replacement bulbs.
Reseat loose bulbs
Gently nudge each unlit bulb into place. A bulb that is not seated correctly can interrupt the strand. The copper wires at the base of the bulb must contact the leads inside the socket.
Tips to Avoid Sending Your Product in for Repairs
These are the most common preventable causes of lighting trouble and avoidable damage.
Each bulb is 2.5 volts
Formula: 2.5 volts × 0.17 amps = 0.425 watts per bulb
2,000 bulbs × 0.425 watts = 850 total watts
Your timer or dimmer must be rated to handle 850 watts.