Fire Retardant for Cut Christmas Trees

#firesafety #christmastree #fireretardant

There's nothing like having a real Christmas tree in the home for the holidays!

But, having a cut tree in the home that is not correctly treated is one of the worst fire dangers you can create. If your "real" Christmas tree catches fire (via an electrical short or open flame), it will be disastrous as these types of trees burn extremely hot.

In the description below, you’ll find a Christmas tree treatment courtesy of our local fire department. Follow the recipe and it will make your tree greener longer AND keep it moist so as to resist ignition. It will also make it more aromatic.

Two other safety tips regarding cut trees: 1.) NEVER use actual candles or lanterns of ANY kind on or near your tree. 2.) Don't leave the tree illuminated overnight or when you are away. Why take the risk?

Here’s a solution you can make that will keep your tree moist longer, thereby reducing fire danger.

To use the solution, cut off about 1” (2.5 cm) of the bottom of the trunk and place the tree end in the solution until you bring the tree into the house.

Then, just before putting the tree into your home, make another 1” (2.5 cm) off-cut on the bottom of the trunk and install the tree into your tree stand. Fill the treestand reservoir with the solution immediately so that the pores on the tree trunk end don't seal.

Why does this solution work? First, the corn syrup provides sugar allowing the tree to take up lots of water. The Borax® contains boron which assists in getting water all the way through the tree’s system. The Epsom salt and iron assist in keeping needles green and fresh. The bleach’s role is to stop mold from forming when sugar and water are combined.

Christmas Tree “Fire-Retardant” Solution

Ingredients

2 Gallons (7.5 liters) of Hot Water
2 Cups (½ liter) Corn Syrup (Karo® is a common brand)
2 oz. (4 U.S. tablespoons or 60 ml) liquid bleach
2 “2-Finger” pinches Epson Salts
½ Cup (118 ml) borax (20 Mule Team is a popular brand)
1 tsp. (5 ml) Chelated iron (available from garden centers)

Directions

Mix all ingredients together in a large container. A utility bucket works well. Stir until all ingredients are dissolved. Use as directed.