Finding and decorating a Christmas tree is an awesome family tradition. If you’re among the die-hard traditionalists that have yet to get a “fake” artificial tree then here are a few tips to help keep the season bright.
Tip one: Don’t buy a dry or dying Christmas tree. Make sure that the tree is not brown or dropping an excessive amount of needles. Check to see how difficult it is to pull out the needles. The easier they let go the dryer the tree is. A dry tree is DANGEROUS! Watch this video that compares how a fresh well-watered tree and a dry tree react to fire.
Tip two: Place the tree in a safe place. Don’t block an important fire egress such as a doorway or the only first-floor window in a bedroom. Just break out your common sense and choose a spot that in no way hinders your immediate exit from a smoke filled house. Also, make sure that there is a comfortable buffer zone between your tree and a fireplace, space heater, radiator or any source of heat.
Tip three: Secure your tree so that it will not wobble and potentially fall down. Don’t forget the cat or dog may decide to climb your beautifully decorated symbol of Christmas cheer. Invest in a quality tree stand and consider securing the trunk of your tree to a wall using heavy gauged fishing line. Placed skillfully, no one will be the wiser.
Tip four: Water your tree. I was amazed to discover that an average tree requires up to one and a half gallons of water every day, depending on the size of the tree and your local climate. Don’t let the stand go empty. Letting the tree run dry could allow the sap to harden over the cut on the trunk and restrict water flow.
Tip Five: Before placing the tree in the stand cut one-half inch to an inch off the bottom of the tree. This will allow the tree to absorb water more readily. Monitor the water level and make sure that the tree is assimilating the water. If the level doesn’t change check for problems. Don’t worry about additives like sugar, aspirin or commercial preparations; these have no proven effect on the life of the tree. Plain tap water will work fine and is what most tree growers recommend.
Tip Six: When Christmas is over-get rid of the tree! Proper disposal in a timely manner is a major factor in keeping your home safe. Consider this, as the tree dries out over the holiday season the risk factor increases. Prolonging the amount of time that the tree remains during its state of highest risk is a bad idea. Depending on your local climate, a well-watered tree may survive 6 to 8 weeks and it will rapidly turn dry. Trees should not be stored in homes, basements, or in the garage.
Tip Seven: Inspect your lights for damaged or dry rotted wires. Saving those beautiful antique ornaments is a fun part of Christmas. I still have the snowman ornament that I gave mom in 1974; kids today would call it artisan. But, keeping those old lights that have become brittle and cracked is a ticket to the wrong kind of light show.
Tip Eight: Never overload an outlet or extension cord. This could cause a fire or electrical shock. Using LED lights or High Efficiency/Low Energy Lamps can usually allow you to run twice to nine times as many lights on a circuit. (read the manufacturers information or go here)
Tip nine: Using candles on a Christmas tree is very dangerous. If this is your tradition I strongly encourage you to change it. I’m sure Martin Luther would understand. If you choose not to break with tradition then confirm that all candles are completely extinguished whenever the tree is not directly attended.
Tip ten: If you are decorating an outdoor tree make sure that the lights are rated for outdoor use.
Taking some extra time to manage your tree will definitely pay off in a safe and secure Holiday Season. After all, I’m not sure that you can “build a Toyland town all around” an artificial tree.