As the holiday season approaches, the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) is offering crucial advice for consumers to keep their Christmas trees — both live and artificial — safe and well-maintained. With the festivities ahead, these tips ensure that your tree remains vibrant and your home stays safe from potential fire hazards.

For those opting for a live tree, the ACTA recommends cutting one inch off the trunk before setting it in the stand. This helps the tree absorb water more effectively. Once the tree is in place, it's important to regularly check the water level in the stand to ensure it never dips below the base of the tree. Frequent watering helps prevent the tree from drying out, reducing the risk To maintain a neat and tidy tree, regularly trim any dried or broken branches. This not only keeps the tree's shape intact but also reduces debris that can accumulate around the home.

For artificial tree owners, the ACTA suggests lightly dusting the tips of the tree before decorating to prevent dust build-up. A dense fiber duster or a clean, dry cloth works best for this task. Artificial trees should be set up in cool, dry places, away from direct sunlight or heat sources to preserve their quality. When cleaning, it's important to avoid using water, soap, vinegar or other cleaning agents, as these can damage the tree's materials.

Both live and artificial trees can pose fire risks if the lights and cords are not checked regularly. Before decorating, always inspect the outlets and light cords for any fraying or damage. For pre-lit artificial trees, these precautions are especially important.

The ACTA also emphasizes the following four best practices for displaying any type of Christmas tree safely:

• Keep the tree at least three feet away from any heat sources, such as lamps, heating vents, radiators, fireplaces or candles.
• Always check outlets and light cords for signs of wear and tear.
• Avoid decorating trees with lit candles — whether on live or artificial trees — and never place burning candles underneath or near the tree. Never leave candles unattended.
• Remember to turn off the Christmas tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed.

By following these tips, families can enjoy a safe, beautiful holiday season while keeping their homes free from fire risks. For more information on tree care, visit www.christmastreeassociation.org.