Each year in the United States, consumers purchase between 25 and 30 million live Christmas trees. Choosing a live tree offers several benefits compared to artificial alternatives. The live Christmas tree industry provides employment for over 100,000 people, both full-time and part-time. Additionally, for every live tree that is cut down, one to three seedlings are planted each spring to ensure sustainability for future seasons. Live trees also fill your home with a pleasant, natural fragrance. Selecting and decorating a live tree is an opportunity to create lasting family memories and traditions. Furthermore, if you choose to cut your own tree, you benefit from fresh air and physical activity.
Fire safety and prevention
Despite their many benefits, live Christmas trees can become a fire hazard if not properly maintained. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that between 2016 and 2020, Christmas trees were the cause of approximately 160 home fires each year. Taking the right precautions is essential to keeping your home and family safe during the holidays.
Tips for safe and enjoyable Christmas tree use
- Freshness matters: A freshly cut tree will last longer than a tree purchased at a tree lot so visit a tree farm if you can. If you select a pre-cut tree, make sure the needles are green and don’t fall off when touched.
- Water daily: Treat your Christmas tree like a pet; it needs water every day. Regular watering will help your tree stay fresh and enjoyable throughout the season. Incorporating tree care into your daily routine, whether you have other pets or not, is a simple way to remember this important task.
- Proper placement: Make sure your tree is approximately three feet away from your home’s heat source, like vents, fireplaces, and radiators to prevent fire.
- Inspect your lights: Make sure your lights are in good working order. Check for cracked wiring and flickering lights. If you have a string of lights that flickers or goes out after you put it on a tree, throw it away and buy a new string. If you have pets, inspecting the wiring is even more critical. You never know what they do during the day if you are gone.
- Turn off lights when unattended: Always unplug your lights before leaving your home or going to bed for the evening. If the lights are on a timer, set your timer only for awake hours.
Disposal and recycling
Once the holiday season is over, be sure to dispose of your live tree properly. Many communities offer curbside pickup or designated drop-off locations for recycling Christmas trees, where they are turned into mulch or compost. This environmentally friendly option helps reduce landfill waste and gives your tree a new purpose.
