OH! CHRISTMAS TREE

Here are a few tips to help you to have beautiful and safe holiday season.  And a few tips to keep your cut tree beautiful until that special day. 

• The biggest thing is keeping your tree watered.  Don't think you can just bring it home and plop it in a stand with some water and forget about it!  Oh no, there is more to it than that.  First of all, make a fresh cut on your tree right before you put it in the stand.  If you get a fresh cut done at the nursery be sure you are headed home.  Some cuts can seal over in less than 30-45 minutes.  If your cut has sealed over your tree will be unable to take up water no matter how many gallons you try to give it.  Before the actual decorating of the tree, let it stand in a bucket of water overnight.  If you don't see any decline in the amount of water in the bucket, you need to make a fresh cut.

• The best way to keep a tree fresh is to make sure it is supplied with water at all times.  As long as the tree takes up water it will remain relatively fresh and somewhat fire resistant.  On that note, don't stack presents and a tree skirt up around the tree so it discourages you to get in there and check the water levels.

• Ok, you've got your tree in the stand and you are trying to decide where to put it.  Keep these things in mind before deciding on a spot.

• Keep your tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces and heat vents.  Even the heat from your television and stereo can be damaging to your Christmas tree.

• Check and double check your lights and wiring to make sure there are no worn spots before hanging them.  It's also a good idea to check those lights for burnt out bulbs. 

• Use only UL-approved Christmas lights and NEVER overload your electrical outlets.  Usually the rule of thumb is 3 strands of 50 can be hooked together.  Always follow manufacturer recommendations on this. 

• Don't decorate your tree with paper or other highly flammable materials.  Wax candles and other types of open flames should also be avoided.

• Last, but not least always unplug your Christmas tree before leaving the house, or before going to bed at night.