FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
As joyful as bringing a Christmas tree home should be, there are many ways it can go wrong. Getting the tree from the holiday venue to the living room is both an art and a science.
Here are five tips for avoiding common Christmas tree accidents, from keeping it fresh and decorating it safely, to giving it new life when the season is over.
1. Don't assume a fake tree is better for the environment
Artificial trees promise convenience and less mess, but most are made from non-recyclable plastic and can contain harmful substances. Many last only a few years before looking unsightly and ending up in storage. Studies have found problematic chemicals in some artificial trees, including substances that can affect health and the environment.
Real trees are better for the climate as they grow, absorbing CO2 and supporting local ecosystems. For the lowest impact, choose a locally grown, certified organic tree. Potted trees look attractive, but unless the root system is substantial and undamaged, most won’t survive long after Christmas.
2. Don't put the tree directly on your car
Nothing says "bang, dud" more than a Christmas tree accident on the road. A tree that isn't properly secured to or on your car can become a dangerous projectile in an accident.
Before you buy, make sure your tree can be covered with netting to keep the branches compact and minimize the mess from pine needles, insects, and sap. Bring blankets to protect the inside of your car and strong straps to tie down your tree.
If your tree fits inside your car, fold down the back seats and wrap the tree in a blanket, with the trunk facing the passenger seat. Secure it with straps to the car's tie-down points and never let the trunk fit between the front seats. If it protrudes more than a meter, mark it with a red flag or warning light, especially in the dark.
Are you transporting a tree to the roof? Use only a suitable rack and tie the tree down firmly, trunk first, with a blanket underneath to prevent scratches. Do not let branches hang over the tree and cover the tree with a raincoat to prevent it from drying out in the wind. Cyclists: stay in short trees, use a trailer or cargo bike, and never try to balance a tree under your armpit or tie it to the side.
3. Don't let the tree dry out until Christmas Day
No one wants a brown, needle-dropped tree before Christmas morning. Whether your tree is in a pot or cut, avoid placing it near radiators or other heat sources. If you have underfloor heating, place the tree on a pedestal to reduce drying out from underneath.
Even after it's been cut, your tree drinks water - one to two liters a day, even for small trees - so make sure your tree is always filled with cool tap water or rainwater. Avoid sharp cuts in the trunk and avoid additives like flower food or sugar; plain water is best.
4. Don't leave it near your pet.
Cats and dogs find Christmas trees to be the perfect playground, but the ornaments and tinsel can cause trouble. Glass ornaments can break and injure curious four-legged friends, so you may want to opt for plastic decorations that are not allowed by pets.
Decorations, while festive, are especially dangerous if swallowed, as they can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages. Before decorating, consider your pet and avoid anything that could double as a tempting toy.
5. Don't let it go to waste after Christmas
When the festivities are over, don't throw your tree in the trash. If you've purchased a tree with healthy roots, you can keep it in a cool, sheltered spot until all danger of frost has passed, then plant it in your garden to enjoy for years to come.
For cut trees, there are many ways to help your garden. Place branches over sensitive plants for winter protection, or use fallen needles to create mulch for acid-loving plants. Shred the tree for protective mulch, use branches as climbing supports, or place pine needles around rose beds to deter snails.
Lini një Përgjigje