A Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday decorations, and knowing how to care for it will assure that it stays looking its best throughout the holiday season.
While you have probably thought through your decorations, and brought out the best ornaments, sometimes there is the tendency to forget all about the tree itself. And this is true of artificial as well as live or cut trees. We tend to focus on this one, sometimes huge object, as something that will simply provide a base for all the ornaments and special holiday lights.
There are certain potential problems that can happen when you bring a tree into your home. Fortunately, they can all be addressed by taking some simple steps to keep your tree and home safe during the holiday season.
Minimize Mold and Pollen:
Mold and pollen spores can be introduced into your home's environment when you bring a tree inside. A 2007 study at The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting presented the conclusion that mold exposure goes up when a live Christmas tree is brought inside the home.
An artificial tree can be a source of allergens too, as it may have gathered up dust in storage. Ornaments that are brought out of storage can also be a problem.
Indoor air quality expert, Dr. Ted Myatt, Sc.D., who is a senior scientist at consulting firm Environmental Health and Engineering, Inc. has these tips for minimizing your exposure to allergens less severe:
Rinse the Tree: Rinse your tree thoroughly with a garden hose before you bring it indoors.The trunk can be wiped thoroughly with a solution of lukewarm water and diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 20 parts water) to get rid of mold.
Clean Your Ornaments: Pat or wipe the ornaments with a damp cloth to clean off the dust. This prevents the dust from becoming airborne. Do not use chemical cleaners or scrub. Gentle motions are best, and that way you won't damage the ornaments by inadvertently removing the decorative finish .
Use an Air Purifier: A HEPA air purifier can help capture airborne mold spores, pollen, smoke and dust.
Plan Ahead: This maybe the most important thing you do after Christmas this year. When packing up your decorations, store them in plastic containers that can be easily wiped off. Cardboard can become moldy if it gets damp.
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Addressing fire hazards will also help keep the tree looking green and stop needles from shedding prematurely.
While Christmas trees don't start fires, they can certainly contribute to them. There are two reasons for tree fires: improper watering and improperly installed tree lights which can become a fire hazard. Sometimes using candles with live flames can also be hazardous around Christmas trees.
It is recommended that you chop off an inch from the bottom when you initially bring it in. That freshens it, but the tree needs constant watering to guard against drying up before time. Also make sure that it is placed away from heat sources.
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What should I add to the Christmas tree water?Some artificial trees may ignite when you use lights on them, so make sure to read the instructions. Also pay attention to the lights you use on any tree, they must be UL certified for indoor use.
Christmas Light SafetyPosition the Tree Safely
To stay looking beautiful the way you decorated it, a Christmas tree should be positioned so that it won't tip over. A Christmas tree can tip over if not positioned correctly, so make sure it is placed in a spot that is not a high traffic area.
Aside from setting your tree up away from a busy area, invest in a quality tree stand that will hold it up in the position that you determine for it. Anchoring it to the wall or ceiling might also help if the tree is very large.
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