If you have decided to keep a live tree in house always, remember that special fire safety precautions need to be taken. Real trees can pose a serious fire hazard, especially if the tree becomes dry.

It only takes a matter of seconds for a Christmas tree to catch on fire; it spreads rapidly and is almost impossible to put out.

When selecting a tree, try to select a fresh tree. Look for one that is a healthy green color and have minimal browning needles, the needles should be flexible and should be hard to pull off. Run your hands through the needles, and see if they easily fall off. Pick the tree up and tap the butt on the ground a few times, notice how many needles fall off the tree. Its expected that some brown needles will fall off, but if you notice more then a few of the green needles falling off, the tree has already begun to dry out and its best to select a different tree.

Once you get the tree home, you want to cut about a quarter inch to an inch off the truck of the tree. If this was already done at the lot when you bought the tree, you do not need to do it again. If you dont put the tree up right away, you might want to cut another quarter inch of the truck. This helps the tree absorb water.

Always trim the butt of the tree straight across, do not cut at an angle as this decreases the trees ability to absorb water. To keep your trees freshness, provide adequate supply of clean water every day. There is no need to use any commercial preservatives, sugar, aspirin or bleach; none of these have been proven to work.

Check the water level every day and clean the tree stand to improve the trees water intake.

Keep your tree at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, furnaces and other heat sources. Its also a good idea to make sure the tree does not block doorways or high traffic areas. Always unplug all lights before going to sleep or leaving the home.

The biggest thing to remember with live Christmas trees is that well-watered Christmas tress do not represent a fire hazard. Threes that are dried out do. When Christmas is over or the tree starts to drop needles, properly dispose of it right away.