Holiday Safety and Christmas Tree Care |
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How to Keep Your Fresh Christmas Tree Fresh | ||
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Holiday and Tree Safety | ||
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How to Keep Your Fresh Christmas Tree Fresh |
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| Thanks to the California Christmas Tree Association for these helpful facts. | |
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Make a Fresh Cut |
| *Make
a fresh cut on the butt to open up the pores which have been clogged
by sap. Cut off at least one-half inch. *The fresh-cut surface should be creamy-white, not yellow or brown. If you do not make a fresh cut, the tree will not be able to drink water. *After the cut is made, put the tree in water as soon as possible. The longer the time between when the tree is given a fresh cut and when it is put into the water, the less ability the tree has to absorb water. Even if a hole is drilled to accommodate a pin-type stand, a fresh cut also should be made on the butt. |
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Put In Water |
| *Check
the stand for leaks. *Place the tree in a sturdy stand which will hold at least one gallon of water. Fill with plain water. *If the tree is not going into the house soon after purchase, it should be stored in a bucket of clear water on a cool porch or patio away from wind and sun in warm climates and protected from freezing and wind in cold climates. |
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Water Daily |
| *An
average tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water per
day. If the water level drops below the cut end of the trunk, a seal will form and no more water will be absorbed by the tree unless another fresh cut is made. So don't forget to add water every day. |
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Mini-Lights Produce Minimum Heat |
| *Miniature
lights produce much less heat and reduce the drying effect upon a
tree. *Always check light sets for frayed or cracked wire insulation and broken sockets before placing them on a tree. Do not attempt to repair a worn light set. Throw it away and buy a new set. *Do not overload electrical circuits. *Always turn off the lights of your tree when leaving your house or retiring for the night. *Never use lighted candles. |
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Keep Away From Heat Sources |
| *Place
the tree away from heat sources such as heating vents, fireplaces,
wood stoves and fireplace inserts, radiators, television sets or sunny
windows. *Be careful not to block a door with the tree or rearranged furniture. |
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Remove Tree Promptly |
| *Check
for your local chipping and composting program with the parks and
recreation department, local nursery or service organization. *After Christmas, before the tree dies, remove it from the house for recycling or pick up by your local disposal service. *Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace. |
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Thanks to the California Christmas Tree Association for these helpful facts. |
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| In
recent years, Real Christmas trees have come under scrutiny because
of their perceived potential fire hazard. Are Real Christmas trees
the fire hazard they have been made out to be? For many, the immediate
answer is an emphatic yes! However, what are the facts?
Facts about Christmas Tree fires Each year, fires involving Christmas trees do happen. In fact, between 1992 and 1996, of the total number of residential fires reported (446,00) each year, around 530 involved a Christmas tree according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Statistically, that amounts to around one-tenth of one percent (0.12%) of all residentially fires. What kind of "Christmas Trees" were involved? Both Real and artificial Christmas trees were the first item ignited, representing several different materials. However, Christmas trees are not as likely to be the first item ignited in residential fires as many other household items: * newspapers 13 times more likely * boxes or bags 10 times more likely * curtains or drapes 9 times more likely * linens 8 times more likely * cleaning supplies 3 times more likely * clothing on a person 2 times more likely What the numbers mean Each year, approximately 33 million Real Christmas Trees are bought in the United States and enjoyed as the traditional centerpiece of the holiday celebration. According to the NFPA data, of all the Real Christmas trees enjoyed during the holiday season, fewer than one-one thousandth of a percent (0.001%) are involved in a residential fire! As mentioned earlier, fires involving Real Christmas Trees do happen; but the chance of yours catching fire is very slim, especially if you follow some common sense precautions. What you can do It
is important to remember that at no time can a Real Christmas tree
START a fire. It can however be ignited by an external source. Keeping the holiday safe from fire is an important responsibility for every family. According to the California Christmas Tree Association (CCTA), these simple steps can help guard against the rare, but serious, event of a holiday fire. * Select the freshest-looking Real Tree available. Make a fresh cut across the tree's base and immediately place in water. Keep the tree's water container full at all times, checking the water level daily. * Be extra careful with electricity, all open flames and other heat sources during the holidays. * Check all Christmas tree lights, other electric decorations and electrical appliances with worn electrical cords. Use only UL approved electrical decorations and extension cords. * Place the Christmas tree well away from heat registers, space heaters, fire places and wood stoves. * Place the Christmas tree well clear of doors--keep the emergency escape route clear of trees, packages and furniture. * Unplug tree lights and other decorations when out of the room or sleeping. Don't let the very slim chance of a fire involving your Christmas tree keep you from enjoying the life, fragrance and tradition that real trees bring to your holiday celebration. A traditional Christmas begins with a Real Tree. |
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Make your Christmas tree hunt at Victorian Christmas Tree Ranch an annual Family Adventure! |
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