Health and Safety Experts Share Advice on Christmas Tree Safety

Health and safety experts have shared practical advice to help households reduce the risks that come with putting up a Christmas tree.

Online training provider High Speed Training says while Christmas trees are a familiar part of festive celebrations, they can present safety hazards if not positioned, decorated and maintained properly.

Choosing the Right Spot

Where a Christmas tree is placed can make a big difference to safety. The experts advise making sure the tree fits comfortably in the space available. Trees that are too large can restrict movement, block access routes and create trip hazards.

If a tree feels cramped, it may be better to move it to another room or trim back some branches.

Trees should also be kept well away from heat sources such as radiators and fireplaces. Heat can dry out real trees quickly, increasing fire risk and shortening their lifespan. It is advised to keep trees at least three feet away from any heat source.

Decorating Safely

Fairy lights are a popular finishing touch, but they need to be used with care. Trees should be close enough to a socket to avoid trailing cables, while still being far enough away to reduce fire risk from sparks.

With multiple decorations often needing power, High Speed Training highlights the dangers of overloading sockets. Their advice includes:

• Only using one extension lead per socket

• Avoiding daisy chaining extension leads

• Checking the wattage of each decoration or appliance

• Regularly inspecting sockets for signs of overheating, such as scorch marks

Understanding Fire Risks

Christmas trees are highly flammable, particularly when they dry out. While a tree cannot catch fire on its own, a single spark can cause a dry tree to ignite within seconds, with flames spreading quickly to nearby furniture, walls and carpets.

Keeping real trees well watered is key. Forestry England advises keeping trees in water at all times using a sturdy stand that can hold a large amount. Christmas trees can drink between two and three pints of water a day, so water levels should be checked regularly.

It is also recommended to trim about half an inch from the trunk when bringing a tree home to help it absorb water more effectively.

Artificial trees, while less flammable than real ones, are not risk free. Fire retardant or fire resistant trees are advised, though these compounds can wear off over time. Trees stored in lofts for several years may need replacing. Dust build up can also increase flammability, so artificial trees should be cleaned before use and before storage.

Using Fairy Lights Carefully

Modern fairy lights are safer than older versions but still carry risks, particularly if faulty. Lights can become a fire hazard if left in contact with flammable materials such as paper decorations, plastic leaves or real foliage.

To reduce the risk of fire, the experts advise:

• Checking for visible damage, frayed wires and blown bulbs

• Plugging lights directly into sockets where possible, without overloading

• Not leaving lights plugged in for long periods and using a timer if needed

• Making sure lights have a CE mark to show they meet European safety standards

• Only using indoor lights inside and outdoor lights outside

High Speed Training says taking a few simple precautions can help families enjoy the festive season safely, alongside all the excitement and traditions that come with it.

More information on Christmas tree safety, along with hundreds of other free resources, is available from the High Speed Training Hub.