How to Choose and Care for a Real Christmas Tree

A real Christmas tree is an important tradition in many families during the holiday season but if the tree is not cared for correctly it can be a fire hazard. Here’s how you can minimize the chances of serious injuries to your loved ones and damage to your property when you choose to decorate a real pine Christmas tree in your home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose a tree from a Christmas tree farm that is still growing in the ground when you purchase it; a pine or Leyland Cypress tree will stay fresher longer. This will ensure that you have the freshest, most moist tree available. If you need to buy a pre-cut tree, check the freshness by shaking the tree; if a lot of pine needles fall, look for another one that will keep most of its needles intact when shaken. Break a couple of needles from the tree you select and smell for fragrance. A fresh needle will allow a strong pine fragrance to escape and not a sour musty smell. The trunk should feel sticky to the touch.

2. Transport the Christmas tree home covered in a tarp if possible to prevent damage and tie it securely to your vehicle. Have the bottom part of the trunk facing towards the front of the vehicle to protect the needles.

3. When you get your tree home, re-cut one inch from the trunk to enhance water uptake, place it in the stand and add cold water immediately. Make sure that the trunk base has sufficient water at all times; check it daily, the tree may take up to one gallon of water a day depending on its size.

4. Place the Christmas tree away from all sources of heat such as a fireplace or radiator. Keeping the tree in a cooler environment will slow down drying out and help prevent it being easily ignited. Do not smoke, use a lighter or matches or burn candles close to the tree. Avoid placing the tree where there is a lot of foot traffic or children playing nearby to avoid damage or having the tree knocked over. Don’t allow pets near the tree unsupervised.

5. Monitor the tree daily; if it dries out remove it from the house to prevent it from becoming a fire hazard. Keep the tree up for a maximum of two weeks before taking it down. Do not dispose of the tree by burning the wood in your fireplace as pine may cause a chimney fire; instead take it to a recycling center.

Resources

• How to Keep Kids Safe at Christmas
• More Articles By Julia Wooldridge

[annvans]

on 7/9/2009 As much as I dislike real christmas trees, this is a very helpful article. Great job!