Why taking down a flocked Christmas tree is no laughing matter
Approximately 2,500 people are injured by holiday fires each year. But then, there are simple yet vital recommendations you can follow to reduce the risk of a tree fire and take them down safely.
Below are a few things you should know about taking down your flocked Christmas trees when the holidays are over:
There’s no reason why your flocked trees should remain in your home a month after Christmas. Christmas is over, and so should they! The longer your tree stays hung, the more disastrous it becomes, and the more likely it is to cause a fire.
Step-by-step guide to taking down your flocked Christmas tree
- Generally, trees should be disposed of as soon as they begin dropping needles.
- Take down all lights, decorations, tinsel, and other ornaments, as well as the stand.
- The tree shouldn’t be left in your house or garage. It takes just 30 seconds for a dry flocked tree to start burning out of control.
- The sap and turpentine oils contained in firs and pines are extremely flammable, so you shouldn’t burn trees in a fireplace or stove.
They can also build up creosote deposits, which can cause a chimney fire. And besides, the needles are rather tender and can burn very intensely and rapidly.
- If you would like to dispose of your flocked Christmas trees with your regular waste, then you’ll need to cut them up in pieces.
Several cities offer free places to drop off and pick up trees. Normally, flocked Christmas trees are picked up between 2 to 3 weeks after Christmas.
And in some cities, you may be required to cut your trees up into 4-foot lengths, which will further require you to cut them in half.
You may need to make enquiries to know which method applies to your city or if there’s any at all.