White County
 Gardening
Podcast
December 12, 2011
Christmas Tree Safety (2:09 minutes)
Audio/Video Script
Sherri Sanders
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
This is Sherri Sanders, County Extension Agent – Agriculture in White county bringing you some Christmas Tree Safety tips.
Always choose a freshly cut tree. To test a tree, strike the stump down on a firm surface. If needles fall off, the tree is too dry. Consider buying a live tree instead. You can plant it later to enjoy it for years to come.
When you are ready to set the tree up cut off 1/2 to 1 inch from the bottom of the tree before placing in the stand which should be filled with hot water (not boiling) as soon as the tree is set up. The tree could absorb as much as a gallon of water the first day.
Use wire or nylon cord to secure the tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent it from being knocked over by children or pets. Place the tree away from heat sources and, of course, from sparks and open flame. Always keep the tree well watered. Check and refill often.
Use only noncombustible decorations. Check and replace any worn or damaged light sets. It is a good practice to replace any set that is more that four or five years old. Use only U.L. or F.M. approved light strings. Spot or floodlights should only be used on an artificial tree and never be tempted to use candles!
Avoid overloading electrical circuits or creating "octopus" connections. Do not use cellophane. There is no way to make it flameproof.
Do not use cotton batting ‑‑ including Santa's whiskers ‑‑ or paper decorations unless they have been treated with a flame‑retardant treatment. Disconnect the lights at bedtime or when unattended. You might want to use miniature lights that produce less heat. Make sure there is an operational smoke detector installed nearby.
After opening the gifts, remove discarded wrappings and packages from the house immediately and never burn them in the woodstove or fireplace ‑ it could cause a chimney fire. Do not burn tree branches in the fireplace ‑ it could throw off a large amount of heat and cause a fire. Christmas trees also cause oily soot which may damage the fireplace.
For additional information contact your local Extension Office. This has been Sherri Sanders in White county.
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