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: