Recommended Safety Measures for Natural Christmas Trees

The support device that holds a tree in an upright position should be of a type that is stable and that:

    • Does not damage or require removal of the tree’s stem base.
    • Holds the tree securely and is of adequate size to avoid tipping over of the tree, and
    • Is capable of containing a two-day minimum supply of water, covering the stem at least two inches.Prior to setting up a tree, the trunk should have a fresh butt cut on a diagonal at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) above the original cut. Hot tap water should be used when first filling the support stand. The water level, when filled, should be at least 2 inches (51 mm) above the butt of the tree.
    • The water level should never be allowed to be lower than the butt of the tree.
    • If the water level should become lower than the butt of the tree, the tree shall be removed immediately or  re-cut.
    • Trees should be checked for dryness daily:
    • Stand in front of a branch,
    • Grasp a branch with reasonably firm pressure and pull your hand toward you, allowing the branch to slip through your grasp
    • If the needles fall off readily, the tree does not have adequate moisture content, and it should be removed immediately.
    • Candles or open flames should not be used on or near a tree within a distance equal to the height of the tree.
    • Electrical decorations used on trees should be UL listed.
    • Recommended minimum support stand water capacity and typical water consumption is:
Tree Height (feet) Minimum Support Stand Water Capacity   (gallons) Typical Daily Water Evaporation Amounts   (gallons)
Up to 6 1/2 ½ 1/8 to 1/4
6 ½ to 10 1 ¼ to ½
Over 10 3 ½ to 1 1/2

 

 

Contact

(650) 991-8138
supportstaff@northcountyfire.org

Location

North County Fire Authority Headquarters
10 Wembley Drive
Daly City, CA 94014

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