More on Christmas trees!

How to Keep a Live Christmas Tree Healthy pt 2

source: http://is.gd/IpzAuu

If you are like many people you like to have a real, live, Christmas tree during the holidays. Many people get frustrated that their tree doesn't last very long. Here are some tips that will keep your tree healthy for a longer period of time and how you can also keep the tree safe during the holiday season.

Buy a Fresh Tree

When you buy your Christmas tree, try to get a tree that has been recently cut so it’s as fresh as possible. Ask at the garden center or other place you buy your tree from about the condition of the tree. If you buy an older tree it will dry out quickly and you won’t get as much use out of it. Look at the needles on the tree before you buy and avoid trees that have a lot of brown spots as this indicates an older tree. Get the tree as green and as fresh as possible.

Water Often

Make sure the stand on your tree never gets dry. You’ll need to provide your tree with plenty of water which will help it from drying out. If needles are falling frequently this is an indication that the tree is too dry. The tree stand should hold at least one gallon of water for best results. Make sure you recut the tree about an inch above its base which will help it to absorb the water properly.

Avoid Overloading

Don’t overload the branches in ornaments as this can make the tree unstable. You want to be sure that you avoid putting ornaments on the weaker branches or just put on very light ornaments. Don’t put a heavy angel on the top of the tree unless the tree tip is very strong or it will break.

Avoid Lights That Get Hot

Most lights today don’t get hot but if you have some older ones these will still heat up quite a bit. LED lights are perfect for a live Christmas tree and you should use these. Make sure candies aren’t anywhere near the tree and don’t put any on the tree. Never use traditional real candles on your tree as this is just not safe at all.

Keep Away From All Flame Sources

Don’t put the tree near any heaters or by the fireplace. Even one stray speak that occurs when you move the logs around can ignite the tree. Make sure the tree is away for all heat sources. It’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case you run into problems.

Keep Pets and Children Away

Make sure your children understand that the Christmas tree is not a toy and they can’t play around or near it. If you have pets make sure they are kept away from the tree at all times. You can use a gate if you wish.

Enjoy your Tree

You can enjoy your real live Christmas tree if you are cautious with it in your home and take steps to protect the tree and take steps to reduce the fire hazard.