When Buying a Christmas Tree, Think Safety First

Dry trees are a fire hazard, so pick a fresh one and keep it watered, doctors' group advises

By Mary Elizabeth Dallas

Saturday, December 10, 2016

SATURDAY, Dec. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Choosing the perfect Christmas tree is a fun tradition for many families, but it's important to consider fire safety when decorating for the holidays, a pediatricians' group advises.

People who opt for an artificial tree should make sure it's fire-resistant. This should be noted on its label, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

If you're buying a live Christmas tree for your home, the group recommends the following precautions:

Pick a fresh tree. Many people look for trees that are a certain size or shape, but it's also important to make sure it's not dried out. Dry trees may become a fire hazard. A fresh tree is green and its needles don't break or drop off its branches easily. The trunk of a fresh tree is also sticky.
Trim the trunk. Cutting a few inches off the trunk of the tree exposes fresh wood. This enables the tree to absorb water more efficiently and avoid drying out.
Water the tree. Be sure to keep the tree-stand filled with water. Trees in heated homes can dry out quickly.
Carefully consider tree placement. Christmas trees should not be near fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters. Trees should not block doorways. Instead, they should be placed away from high-traffic areas.

SOURCE: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016

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