Christmas Tree check up time.

Everyone loves the smell and look of a fresh tree at Christmas time. The warmth and charm are unmistakable. That real tree takes some extra time during the holidays to keep it looking its freshest and not turning into a problem with dry fallen needles.

Another good reason to keep your tree maintained and watered is to lower the fire hazard your tree presents to you and your family. One tree in the video, the one on the left, has not been watered properly whereas the one to the right has been.

From the years 2003 through 2007, 14 deaths and 26 injuries were attributed to Christmas Tree fires. Those losses are bad enough, but then you add in the estimated 13.8 million dollars in property damages from those and other fires which makes it even worse. 1 in 18 home Christmas Tree fires result in a fatality.

Your Christmas Tree can drink up to a gallon of water every day. If the cut end of the trunk becomes exposed to air, even for a couple of hours, sap will cover over the stump and prevent the tree from absorbing water. Make sure your stand holds more than 1 gallon of water, or you may have to refill the reservoir more than once a day.

The needles on your tree should remain soft for up to 6 weeks, unless they are not getting the proper amount of moisture. When your tree begins to dry out it becomes an extreme fire hazard.

There are many other helpful hints on keeping your tree looking and smelling fresh. Here is a quick Google Search to help you get started.

Sources: Oskaloosa Fire Department, NFPA, and ACME