NEFL CAI The Community Connection Vol. Iss. 2

“FIR” REAL CHRISTMAS TREE CARE TIPS! Brought to you by SERVPRO Thanks to the cheery lights dancing among the branches and the electrical cords that power them, many people assume that fire is the primary risk that you face when hosting a live Christmas tree for the holidays. In actuality, a well-watered tree is reasonably fire retardant. The Old Farmer’s Almanac reports that real trees are involved in less than one-tenth of 1% of residential fires. so as long as you care for it properly, your tree is unlikely to trigger a blaze.

However, there is a more insidious threat lurking beneath the branches that is overoverlooked: water.

White watering a live tree helps to prevent a fire, it can also leave your home vulnerable to water damage.

If the tree stand supplying the tree with water is overfilled or prone to leaking, you may not notice until it’s time to take the tree down, and that is a real problem. Even a small amount of water can cause a large amount of damage if it’s left unattended. To compound the problem, mold can flourish in as little as 24 hours when water damage occurs.

When it comes to your Christmas tree, preventing damage and maintaining your seasonal comfort and joy is fairly easy if you take the following steps: • Choose your tree carefully. If a live tree is at the heart of your hoiday decorating plans, take care when selecting your tree. Look for a fresh, healthy tree with green, flexible needles.

• Be smart about your tree. Choose a qualie neeBe smart about your tree. Choose a quality tree stand that can offer your tree the appropriate amount of water without making a mess. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, a suitable stand provides 1 quart of water for each inch of trunk diameter. If your stand isn’t big enough, replace it. The trunk’s outer layers are the best at collecting water, so chiseling away at them to cram your tree in a too-small stand can starve your tree of much-needed moisture and create unnecessary danger.

• Pick the right place and decorations. Place your tree in a level location that is a safe distance from heat sources and opt for low-heat lights. Keeping things cooler near the tree means it can dry out at a slower rate.

• Water wisely. Before placing your tree in its stand, saw off a few inches from the bottom of its trunk to open the pores there and improve hydration. Then be aware of the watering. In the first 24 hours, a fresh tree can use one gallon of water, and it can drink 65% of its water in the first week. Pay attention to how much water your tree is consuming. Be sure to give it enough without indulging in over-watering.

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