White County
 Gardening
Podcast
December 3, 2008
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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