Real Christmas trees add a wonderful scent of pine and spirit to the holiday season. It is important to keep tree safety in mind when selecting a Christmas tree.  You should look for a tree that is green with no browning on the needles.  If you choose a spruce or pine tree, the needles should bend and not be easy to pull off the branches.  If you choose a fir tree, check to see that the needles snap when you bend them.  They should be somewhat like a fresh carrot.

Look for a trunk with sticky sap.  This is a clue that the tree is fresher than those without oozing sap.  You will want to cut off about 2 inches of the stump and place the tree in a tree stand with water immediately.  Don’t forget to add water daily.  Trees will drink more water when first purchased than they will as the season rolls on.

Make sure to place your tree away from all heating sources, such as a fireplace or a radiator.  Be sure to only use lights that are designed for indoor use and only those that display the UL label.  Using outdoor lights inside of the home will increase your risk of having a fire.  You should not connect more than three stands of lights together.  This is also a fire hazard.  Never run any cords under a rug.  Never place lighted candles on a Christmas tree, real or artificial.

Each year there are more than 400 residential fires nationwide involving Christmas trees.  These fires can have tragic results.

With a little planning, you too can have a safe Christmas tree and a wonderful holiday season.