Choosing your tree
Artificial or real? Modern artificial trees are usually fire retardant or resistant - but do look at the packaging to check. If you have an older artificial tree, it might be time to consider replacing it.
If you opt for a real Christmas tree, it can be more of a fire hazard than an artificial one. Dried out Christmas trees burn fast and fiercely. So when you’re choosing your real Christmas tree look for a fresh one with:
Placing your tree
Once you’ve got your tree home, consider where you’ll place it.
We recommend you keep it:
- Away from heat sources like fireplaces and heat vents
- Away from open flames or sparks from candles and cigarettes
- In a sturdy stand so it won’t be toppled over by kids or pets
- Somewhere that doesn’t block an escape route
Watering your tree
Keep the tree stand filled with water to prevent it from drying out quickly. Christmas trees can drink up to two pints of water every day!
Check the water level regularly to make sure your tree remains hydrated.
The difference between watering, and not watering, your Christmas tree.
Fairy lights and decorations
The bulbs on fairy lights can get hot. Don’t let them touch anything that can scorch or burn easily - like paper or fabric decorations.
We recommend you choose LED lights for your tree rather than the older incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs use less energy and stay cooler.
Don’t leave fairy lights on when you go to sleep, or pop out. Put them on a light timer if think you might forget.
Before you put fairy lights on your tree, check their condition. Loose wires, blown bulbs, or damaged cords are a sign that it’s time to replace them.
If you’re buying new fairy lights make sure you buy them from a reputable seller and that they have a CE or UKCA safety mark.
Indoor lights won’t survive being used outdoors, and outdoor lights may pose a risk if used indoors. Only use them as intended.
Don’t overload your sockets. See our Cables, fuses and leads page for advice on this.
Disposing of your tree
Did you know that a real Christmas tree will only remain relatively safe for about two weeks? After that it’s likely to become more flammable.
When you’re ready to get rid of your tree you have a few options:
- If you have a garden or pot you can plant it in you can re-use it next year
- Check your local council website to see if they offer:
- Kerbside collections
- Drop-off points
- Take it to your local re-use and recycling centre
- Visit the London Recycles website to see what other options are available in your area
However, never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace, wood burning stove or on a bonfire:
- The sap and resin in trees can burn fiercely and unpredictably
- Some types of Christmas trees produce toxic smoke
- Sap can create a build-up of creosote in your chimney which can cause a dangerous chimney fire