The holiday season is upon us once again, and soon living rooms everywhere will be aglow with good cheer and all the layers of Christmas: twinkling lights on the tree, a crackling fire, and a playlists filled with Mariah Carey, Bing Cosby, and Michael Bublé.
But before you haul your fragrant fir through the front door and string it with lights, you should be aware that not all holiday set-ups are the same. In fact, some spots around the house can actually kill your live tree before Santa comes climbing down the chimney.
Where you position your tree matters every bit as much as the how you decorate it. Here are three spots to avoid, along with smart tips for keeping your real Christmas tree healthy all season.
Where Not to Put Your Live Christmas Tree
Heat is the silent killer of Christmas trees. “Warm air pulls moisture from the needles faster than the tree can absorb water, leaving it brittle and brown within days,” says holiday expert Jessie Brooks. “I see so many families excited to set up their Christmas tree, only to watch it deteriorate rapidly because of one avoidable error.”
These three spots in your home will zap your tree fast, and can even pose a safety risk. Avoid a holiday disaster by keeping your tree far from these heat sources.
1. By the Fireplace
It doesn’t matter whether you have a gas or a wood burning fireplace. If you plan to use your fireplace this season, don’t set your tree up next to it—no matter how charming the look is. You want to be far from this heat source.
2. Near the Radiator
Many older houses are warmed with radiator heat. These units run hot water or steam to create a comfortable heat. And while they provide a cozy environment for you, placing your tree by a radiator will accelerate its demise.
3. Heat Vents
Every room has a heating vent; some have multiple. Set your Christmas tree up at least three feet away from the vent to keep your tree from drying out. It’s also important to keep the inevitable dry needles from falling into your HVAC system, which will cause the system stress and could eventually lead to a fire hazard.
More Tree-Saving Tips
Even if you place your tree far away from the heat sources listed above, there are a few other things you can do to ensure your live tree lasts all season long.
Set Your Thermostat
Fresh cut Christmas trees prefer cooler temps. A room that’s heated between 65 to 70 degrees is ideal. If your room runs hot, turn down the thermostat a bit. You can also set a humidifier in the room with your tree to help it maintain moisture.
Switch to LED Christmas Lights
Strings of old-school, incandescent Christmas lights produce heat, too, so swapping them out for LED strings will ensure your tree lasts a little longer. LED lights are cool to the touch and won’t dry out your tree. Bonus: Innovation in LEDs will let you pick new strings with the warm look of classic incandescents, so you don’t have to sacrifice your style.
Opt for Artificial
If you’re set on placing your tree in a certain spot or don’t want to adjust your thermostat for the season, there are plenty of artificial Christmas trees that look just like the real thing. You can also find scents that mimic the real thing, and can fill your living room with that cozy fresh-cut tree smell.
