Caring For Your Real Christmas Tree

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Now that you've had your fresh Christmas tree for a while, you need to make sure you are taking care of it so it will continue to be beautiful and, importantly, safe.

The good news, according to the National Christmas Tree Association, is the number of fires involving all Christmas trees, both real and artificial, decreased from 1980 to 2004.

Leading causes of Christmas tree fires include electrical distribution or lighting equipment, intentional fires, someone — usually a child — playing with fire and candles.

The most important thing to remember when you have a real Christmas tree in your home is to keep it well-hydrated throughout the holiday season.

The association said to make sure to select a tree in good condition and make a fresh cut on the trunk and put it in water within six to eight hours.

Display the tree indoors in a secure stand with at least 1 quart of water for each inch of trunk diameter.

You'll need to check the water daily and add more in order to keep the water level above the base of the tree trunk.

As far as lighting goes, only use lights that produce low heat, and make certain to replace them if wiring is worn or frayed.

If the tree becomes dry, remove it from your home immediately and dispose of it properly.