Tips for a safe Christmas tree

Learn about the history of the Christmas tree

For centuries it has been a tradition to bring an evergreen into the house as part of our Christmas celebrations. Artificial trees have made inroads in today's Christmas tree market but, for most people, nothing will ever replace the smell of a real evergreen during the holiday season.

The Canadian Forest Service of Natural Resources Canada is pleased to offer you a few tips to ensure that your tree will keep on bringing joy to your household throughout the festive season.

Do not purchase a tree that has dried out. Trees that are too dry have brittle branches that shed needles easily. Test twigs and needles for freshness and flexibility by:

• drawing the end of a branch through your fingers; the needles should slide through without coming off
  
  
• banging the stump end of the trunk sharply on the ground; a freshly cut tree will lose only a few needles
  
  
• folding a needle back until the tip touches the stem to make a circle. If it breaks or does not bounce back, chances are the tree is old and dry. In very cold weather, hold the needles in the palm of your hand so that they can thaw before you try the test.

Store your tree outdoors, preferably under shade, until it is to be used. If possible, move the tree into a garage, basement, or enclosed porch so that it can gradually warm up before you set it up inside.

When it is time to set it up (or if it must be stored indoors), first cut about three centimetres off the bottom of the trunk. This removes the dried resin that can clog water conducting tissues and prevent water absorption. Immerse in a container that holds enough water to cover the cut.

Keep the container full of water to ensure the tree does not dry out. The tree will absorb the most water during the first few days, so check the water level each day. A two-metre tree can absorb one litre of water in a day.

There is no need to add anything to the water. Instead of prolonging the life of the tree or making it fire resistant, additives interfere with the tree's ability to draw up water, thus increasing its flammability.

A tree handled this way will have a moisture content equal to, and in many cases greater than, its moisture content when cut and will stay fresh, green and safe through the Christmas season.

Safety notes:

A tree whose moisture content has dropped to a critical point before immersion will not recover but will continue to dry out, even while standing in water. Check your tree again for flexibility 24 hours after putting it up. If there is any sign of lessened flexibility in needles and twigs, the tree should be removed.

Do not put your tree close to heat outlets, and do not block access to doors and windows.

Use only lights bearing the Canadian Standards Association label of approval, and make sure every wire and socket is in proper working order. Finally, use only decorations made of non-combustible or approved slow-burning material. Do not use candles. Turn off your tree lights when you leave your house.

The use of a fire-retardant chemical spray on your tree is no substitute for immersion in an adequate supply of water.

Learn about the history of the Christmas tree