Christmas and Holiday Trees
Holiday Tree
If you use a real tree:
- Choose one that is fresh (needles are hard to pull off and do not break when bent).
- Add water daily.
- Keep the tree secured in a sturdy tree stand.
- Place the tree away from traffic areas, doorways, heating vents, radiators, stoves, fireplaces and burning candles.
- Choose tinsel, artificial icicles and other trimmings made of plastic or non-leaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.
- Avoid trimmings that are sharp and breakable or have small removable parts if small children are around.
Choosing a Christmas Tree
Always get a tree that is freshly cut. It will stay green longer, retain its fragrance and be less of a fire hazard.
Three Freshness Tests
- Branch Test - Draw the end of the branch (15 cm or 6 inches) through the cup of your hand. The needles should slide through your hand without coming off.
- Stump Test - Bang the stump end sharply on the ground. A freshly cut tree should not lose its green needles. Remember that conifers shed some of their needles almost constantly and some of these older yellow needles may still be lodged against the inner branches.
- Needle Test - Fold a needle back until the tip touches the stem making a circle. The needle should not break but should bounce back into shape unless it is frozen.
Setting up your Christmas Tree
Before setting up the tree, saw two inches (5cm) diagonally off the butt.
- Use a tree stand that has widespread legs for better balance and a large water reservoir in which to immerse the tree butt.
- Trees are thirsty. They may drink up to four litres of water per day, so be sure to check daily and supply fresh water as needed. A stand that holds a least four litres of water is recommended.
- If you allow the water level to drop below the bottom of the tree, a seal will form just as it does on a cut flower and a new cut will be necessary.
- Do not set your tree up near a heat source such as a radiator, television, fireplace, or heating duct.
- It should not block doors or windows.
Decorating your Christmas Tree
Use Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified lights.
- Inspect lights before use. Check for cracked bulbs and for frayed, broken or exposed wires, and discard if faulty.
- Choose decorations that are flame-retardant, non-combustible and non-conductive.
- Avoid using angel hair (glass wool) together with spray-on snowflakes. This combination is highly combustible.
- Turn off the tree lights when you leave and before you retire at night.
- NEVER USE LIGHTED CANDLES ON YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE AND ALWAYS KEEP LIGHTED CANDLES OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
