Flocking is a white coating, usually made from fibers and adhesive, sprayed onto the branches to look like fresh snow. Trees range from a light dusting on the tips to heavy coverage that makes the whole tree look white.
All flocked trees shed a little, especially during the first setup. Unbox the tree in a room that is easy to vacuum, or lay down a sheet while you shape the branches. Heavier flocking sheds more but also looks more dramatic.
Flocking hides some of the branch structure, so lights stand out more. Warm white LEDs look natural on a flocked tree, while multicolor lights give a retro feel. Many flocked trees come pre-lit, which saves you from snagging the flocking with a new strand every year.
Store a flocked tree in a breathable storage bag in a dry place. Moisture and crushing are what damage flocking most. Anyone sensitive to dust may prefer a lightly flocked tree or a regular green one.