Maier Tree & Lawn wishes you a happy and safe holiday season!
We all love the sounds of the season and hearing folks say "Merry Christmas!", "Happy New Year!", and "Season's Greetings!" What we don't want to hear is the sound of a siren from a fire truck as it comes screaming to our home because our Christmas tree caught fire!
On average there are 250 Christmas tree fires in the United States each year. That's a very small percentage of the number of real trees purchased every year, but the devastation of a Christmas tree fire is always tragic.
The reason Christmas tree fires are so dangerous is because once the tree catches fire it explodes into flames in as little as 20 seconds, generating temperatures of nearly one thousand degrees. That much heat blasting into a room can spread to every flammable item and create a blazing inferno in a matter of minutes.
That doesn’t mean your family can’t enjoy the fresh smell of a real tree during the holidays. By taking a few simple precautions, the likelihood of a Christmas tree fire can be eliminated. These are tips everyone has heard before, but it’s a good idea to go over them again and, most important, follow through with them.
First and foremost, be sure your tree is fresh. An easy check is to bounce the tree trunk on the ground to see if needles fall off. Of course, making it a family tradition to cut your own tree can be a fun way to be sure your tree is fresh.
Once your tree is home, keep it hydrated. That starts with making a fresh cut across the bottom of the tree and putting it in water so it can begin to draw in water immediately. Check the water every day and add more as needed. You may be surprised at how much a fresh cut tree will “drink.”
It may sound obvious, but never place your tree too close to a fireplace, wood stove, candles, or heat register. It’s also important to check all lights for frayed wires and worn insulation. Having too many lights on a single circuit can also cause wires to overheat.
Finally, don’t place your tree near an exit door. In the unlikely event your do have a Christmas tree fire, you will need a clear escape route for you and your family.
The holiday season is a special time of year when we get together with family and friends to reflect on the very best things in life. At Maier Tree and Lawn we want to wish you, your family, and your friends a truly joyous holiday season and a Merry Christmas!
It is our privilege to serve the Rochester and Winona areas. We truly have a passion for caring for trees and all things green whether they are inside your home during the Christmas season or growing outdoors throughout the year. We believe they are truly one of the wonders of creation.
The staff at Maier Tree and Lawn is committed to providing expert care and advice to our customers and the community to help make our world a greener, healthier environment. Whenever you have a question or concern about any tree care or lawn related issue, contact us at 507-286-8733 in Rochester, or 507-454-7000 in Winona.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your friends at Maier Tree and Lawn.
