Christmas Tree Safety
As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly.
Picking The Tree
- If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
Placing the tree
- Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1–2” from the base of the trunk.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
Lighting the tree
- Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
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Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands
of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. - Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
After Christmas
This coming holiday season, City of Evanston crews will pick up trees beginning Dec. 27, and continue for five consecutive weeks. All trees should be placed on the parkways, as trees will not be picked up from alleys or private property. Trees will be picked up on the same day of the week as your normal refuse and recycling during the weeks of Dec. 27; Jan. 3, 10, 17 and 24. This gives residents the flexibility to take down a tree when it’s convenient. Please remove all lights and decorations, and do not place a tree in a plastic bag, as this material can damage the equipment used to convert the trees into mulch.
