Line a baking sheet or clean countertop with parchment or wax paper. Arrange the 12 pretzel rods nearby so they are ready as soon as the green coating is melted.

Place the green candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the coating is smooth and fluid.

If the coating seems too thick for dipping or drizzling, stir in up to 1 teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil. Add it gradually and mix well rather than adding more than needed.

Dip one end of each pretzel rod into the melted green coating, covering approximately 2–3 inches. Hold the rod over the bowl for a moment so excess coating drips back into the bowl.

Place each coated rod on the lined surface. Use a spoon, piping bag, or small zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to drizzle green coating back and forth over the dipped section, forming a narrow top and wider bottom.

Immediately scatter the Christmas sprinkles over each piped tree and place one yellow or gold star at the top. Work promptly because candy coating can set quickly once it is spread into a thin design.

Leave the pretzel trees at room temperature until firm, or refrigerate them for 15–20 minutes. Once set, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place.