Tips on how to care for your Christmas tree and carpets/flooring during the holidays

Carpeting- To protect the carpet and ensure that your Christmas tree stand has a solid standing, cut out a sturdy piece of plywood for the base of the tree to stand on. Use a tree skirt to hide the wood and tree stand.

 

Hardwoods- Tree stands can easily scratch hardwood floors so put a non-skid piece of carpeting or similar non-slip mat under the tree stand.

 

General Protection- It’s a good idea to place some plastic sheeting (with a non-slip tape) and a scrap piece of carpet under the tree stand to protect hardwood floors and carpets from accidental water spills, leaks and weight marks. It also makes it easier to clean up when the tree is removed.

 

Avoid Direct Heat- A dry tree is a fire hazard so keeping it away from direct heat is important. The risks of being too close to an open fire are obvious, but being too close to radiators and not watering adequately will not only dry out the tree but also limit the tree’s ability to maintain its shape and will encourage faster needle shedding.

 

Maintenance- Sweep or vacuum regularly to clear any needles, while at the same time taking care not to knock branches or the tree trunk as this will cause more needles to drop off. To clear needles that have lodged into carpets, rugs and between the slats of wooden floors, use the smaller attachments on your vacuum or use some duct tape to pull them out.