|
Teach
children Christmas tree safety. Do not leave
matches, lighters, lit cigarettes, candles or heaters unattended for small hands and
inquisitive minds. |
|
Test tree
for freshness. This may be done by taking 10 needles from the tree. If 2 out of
10 snap, the moisture content in the tree will allow it to continue to drink water. |
|
Wash
debris off tree. When you get your tree home,
spray it with water to remove all dead needles and dust. |
|
Make a
fresh cut. Cut about 1/2" off the bottom
of the tree. Trim branches from the bottom of the tree so that there is approximately
8" to 12" clearance from the floor to the lowest branch. |
|
Place tree
in a water bowl. The water bowl should hold 2
to 4 quarts of water. Never put your tree on a wood stand unless the stand is supplied
with a water bowl. |
|
Fill bowl
to the rim with fresh clean plain water. If
getting to the water bowl is difficult, place ice cubes in the bowl instead of water. The
longer you wait to place your tree in water, the greater the chances that your tree will
lose the required moisture content to keep it fresh during the holidays. |
|
Water your
Christmas tree daily. An average tree may
consume between a quart and a gallon of water per day. If the water level drops below the
trunk cut of the tree, a seal will form and prevent the tree from absorbing water. |
|
Place your
tree in an area that is away from any heat source. Heaters, downdraft of heater vents, wood stoves, fireplaces, large appliances and
direct sunlight cause trees to dry out very fast--once a tree loses its required moisture
it will not look or remain fresh. |
|
Do not
overload your tree with lights. By decorating
the tree with a large quantity of lights you add a constant heat source to your tree.
Discard lights or cords that are frayed, have exposed wires, loose connections or broken
sockets. Use only decorative indoor lights approved by a recognized laboratory. Never use
outdoor lights on an indoor tree. Always unplug lights before going to bed or when leaving
your home. |
|
NEVER USE CANDLES ON
OR NEAR A TREE. |
|
Do not
burn the Christmas tree in the fireplace.
Burning your tree in the fireplace may cause a chimney fire. |
|
|