First it makes a mess of your car, then the cat chokes on a decoration, only for the tree to dry out by Christmas Eve. There's a lot that can go wrong with a Christmas tree – unless you know what to look out for. Berlin (dpa) – As jolly as bringing home a Christmas tree should be, there are plenty of ways it can go wrong. Getting your tree from the lot to the living room is both an art and a science. Here are five tips on avoiding common Christmas trees mishaps, from keeping it fresh and decorating it safely to giving it new life when the season is over. 1. Don't assume a fake tree is better for the environment Artificial trees promise convenience and less mess, but most are made from non-recyclable plastics and may contain harmful substances. Many only last a few years before looking shabby and ending up in landfill. Studies have found problematic chemicals in some artificial trees, including substances that can affect health and the environment. Real trees are better for the climate while they grow, absorbing CO2 and supporting local ecosystems. For the lowest impact, choose a locally grown, organically certified tree. Potted trees sound appealing, but unless the root ball is substantial and undamaged, most won’t survive long after Christmas. 2. Don't get sap and needles all over your car Nothing says “bah, humbug” like a Christmas tree mishap on the road. A tree that’s not properly secured in or on your car can turn into a dangerous projectile in an accident. Before you buy, make sure your tree can be netted to keep branches compact and minimize the mess of pine needles, insects and sap. Bring along blankets to protect your car’s interior and sturdy straps for tying down your tree. If your tree fits inside your car, fold down the back seats and wrap the tree in a blanket, trunk facing forward against the passenger seat. Secure it with straps to the car’s lashing points, and never let the trunk poke between the front seats. If it sticks out more than a metre, mark it with a red flag or warning light, especially in the dark. Transporting on the roof? Only use a proper rack and tie the tree tightly, trunk forward, with a blanket underneath to prevent scratches. Keep branches from sticking out and cover the tree with a tarp to prevent it drying out in the wind. Cyclists: stick to short trees, use a trailer or cargo bike, and never try to balance a tree under your arm or tie it sideways. 3. Don't let your tree dry out by Christmas Day Nobody wants a brown, needle-dropping tree before Christmas morning. Whether your tree is potted or cut, avoid placing it near radiators or other heat sources. If you have underfloor heating, set the tree on a pedestal to reduce drying from below. Even after it’s been cut, your tree still drinks up water – one to two litres per day, even for small trees – so make sure your stand is always topped up with cool tap or rainwater. Avoid sharp cuts to the trunk and skip additives like flower food or sugar; plain water is best. 4. Don't let it kill your pet Cats and dogs see Christmas trees as the ultimate playground, but baubles and tinsel can spell trouble. Glass ornaments can shatter and injure curious paws, so you may want to opt for pet-proof plastic decorations. Tinsel, while festive, is especially hazardous if swallowed, as it can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages. Before decorating, consider your pet and avoid anything that might double as a tempting toy. 5. Don't let it go to waste after Christmas When the festivities are over, don’t just throw your tree out with the rubbish. If you bought a tree with a healthy root ball, you can keep it in a cool, sheltered place until the risk of frost passes, then plant it in your garden for years of enjoyment. For cut trees, there are plenty of ways to help your garden. Place branches over sensitive plants for winter protection, or use fallen needles to create humus for acid-loving plants. Shred the tree for mulch, use branches as climbing supports, or lay pine needles around rose beds to repel slugs and snails. The following information is not intended for publication dpa coh mew
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