Best practices to care for your Christmas tree

Picking the perfect tree is a big part of many holiday celebrations, and the Philadelphia Fire Department wants to make sure you know how to choose, care for, and dispose of that tree safely.

In Philadelphia, natural-cut Christmas trees are allowed only in one- and two-family homes.

According to data from the National Fire Protection Association(NFPA), nearly one in four Christmas tree fires were started by lamps or bulbs, and 12 percent were started by candles. And roughly two of every five (42%) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room. We urge everyone to review the information below and spread the word to your neighbors and loved ones.

Caring for your tree

• When choosing a tree, pick as fresh a tree as possible with green needles that don't fall off when you touch them.

• Before you put the tree in its stand, make sure there's a fresh cut, about one inch from the base of the trunk. This ensures that your tree will be able to absorb water and stay hydrated.

• Check the water level in your tree stand every day and add water as needed.

• Your tree should be at least three feet away from any heat source - including vents, radiators, candles, and lamps.

• Make sure your tree is not blocking any exits.

Decorations

• When decorating your tree, use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.

• Read the instructions on your lights to see how many strands the manufacturer recommends connecting at once. It differs by brand and testing lab.

• If your lights have a broken bulb or damaged cord, replace the whole string.

• Turn off all Christmas lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

Christmas tree disposal

• As Christmas trees dry out, they become increasingly flammable. It's important to dispose of the tree immediately after Christmas.

• Make sure to remove all decorations from the tree.

• Take your tree to the curb where City Sanitation workers will pick it up on your usual collection day or take it to one of the City's six Sanitation centers. Click hereto find the one closest to you.

We wish you and your family a safe and joyous holiday season. Don't forget to test your smoke alarms, too. You can call 311 or visit their websiteif you need alarms for your home. You put in the request, and PFD members will come install them free of charge.