Homestyle Getting a live Christmas tree? Here are six important safety tips

A holiday tree poses a danger to your home and family if you don’t handle it right

Whether you cut down a tree from a local farm or carry one home from the supermarket, nothing beats the excitement of having an aromatic pine or balsam fir in your home during the holidays. But as fun as it is, a live tree can be a fire hazard. Learn how to protect your family and property with these impor tant steps:

Pick a healthy tree.

Look for a tree with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off when touched. Check the trunk’s bottom, too: A dark layer indicates the tree wasn’t newly cut. Also, do the needle test: Gently pull a branch towards you and watch how many needles fall out. A few is fine, but more than that means the tree was likely cut down weeks ago and is already dr ying out, said Alex Forte, associate merchant, fire safety at The Home Depot.

Prep the tree when you get it home.

Before putting the tree in a stand, cut of f about two inches from the base of the trunk, advises the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This will help the tree absorb more water, which means fewer fallen needles. Next, place the tree in its stand and immediately give it a good drink of water.

Set the tree in a safe place.

Where you put the tree makes a big difference. To avoid a dry tree catching fire, set it up at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles or heat vents. Choose a spot that doesn’t get much foot traf fic to avoid it accidentally being knocked over and injuring someone. If you’ve got young children at home, consider tethering the tree with fishing line to a ceiling hook. Also, “make sure you install smoke alarms on every level of your home and where the Christmas tree is placed,” Forte said.

Check the tree’s water level every day.

This will indicate how much water to give it on a par ticular day so your tree will last longer. A newly cut tree will be ver y thirsty when you first take it home then gradually require less