Brought to you by the Oak Bay Firefighters Charitable Foundation & Bartlett Tree Experts

Before buying a tree test it for freshness:
Branch test: Draw a branch through the cup of your hand, needles should not fall off
Stump test: Bang the stump end of the tree on the ground.  A freshly cut tree should not lose its green needles.
Needle test: Fold a needle into a circle; the needle should not break, but should bounce back into original shape.  If you buy your tree several days before you plan to set it up, store the tree outdoors or on a cool porch/patio until you are read to decorate

Set up: Before setting up the tree, cut 2 inches off the butt end
Water: Use a tree stand with a wide base and large reservoir.  Trees are thirsty and can drink up to 4 liters of water a day.  Check your water level daily, if you allow the water to run dry, a seal will form and a new butt cut will be necessary.

Safety: Use only CSA certified lights.  Test and inspect lights for cracks/broken bulbs, frayed wires and discard if faulty. Choose flame retardant, non-combustible tree decorations. Avoid using angle hair (glass wool) together with spray snow; the combination is highly combustible. Tree off your tree when you are not home or before you go to bed.

WORKING SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES PLEASE TEST YOURS!