We may not sell Christmas trees at Fannin Tree Farm, but we are very passionate about the safety of all trees. When you bring a live tree into the home during the holiday season, it’s important to consider safety precautions. While Christmas tree fires are rare in the U.S. with an average of only 200 yearly nationwide, these basic tips will hopefully keep that number down to zero.
Tips for Preventing Live Christmas Tree Fires
- Select a healthy tree with bright green needles that hold well when the tree is touched.
- Water the tree base daily, with no exceptions. Dry trees are far more dangerous than flush trees.
- Position the tree at least three feet from any heat source, including fireplaces, candles, heating vents, or lights.
- Do NOT position the tree in front of a doorway or exit.
- Confirm that your tree lighting is designed for indoor use – check the box!
- Replace any damaged bulbs or strings and never use a string of lights with exposed or damaged wiring.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
- After the holidays, ditch the tree and remove it from the premises entirely. Many communities have recycling options for old Christmas trees. This is important because old, dry trees present a greater fire risk than healthy trees.
So what’s the deal with dry trees? It’s not so much that dry trees are more likely to catch fire, it’s that when they do catch fire, they burn so much more quickly! An entire tree can go up in flames in a matter of seconds.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology published this video showing the difference in how well-watered trees and dry trees burn:
Follow these basic steps, and you can enjoy a safe and happy holidays with your live Christmas tree. Thank you and happy holidays from your friends at Fannin Tree Farm.
