It has been said that the cutting down of American trees, over time, by early European settlers, is nature's equivalent of punishment to us by creating today's global warming.--similar slaughter-like actions of Eve who ate from the Tree of Good and Evil (King James Version, Holy Bible).
Due to the lack of rain, this year has been particularly harsh on nature's trees which become our decorative trees at our unique home styles.
Real Tree Safety Tips (Better Homes and Gardens, B. Thorkelson, December 2016) Copied without correction.
- Needles should be green and should flex when you bend them. Does the tree shed needles, when you touch or grab it?
- Shake the tree before you have it wrapped (baled process is important to prevent wind damage to the tree).
- Make sure that your tree stand holds at least a gallon of water. Wow!, so imagine how much rain one tree needs in a week People need water and so do trees.
- Try to avoid placing the tree near a heat source whether a heat vent or heat source.
Added tips
- Never leave your lights on for too long without checking them.
- Avoid having your live tree in your home style for more than two weeks. Discard, discard, DISCARD.
- Try creative ways in recycling your real tree.
- Create or buy a new ornament each year. Idea: A family-bonding moment.
- Avoid stuffing a tall tree directly under a light or ceiling-fan fixture.
- Most international families have December cultural traditions on various days throughout December. Others have festive holiday traditions, during the month of January. I actually complete December's holiday topics and theme on the third Saturday of January, yearly.