The Christmas tree is the center of many holiday family traditions. The Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department would like to share some tree safety tips so that you can enjoy the season with friends and family safely.
Picking the tree
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
Placing the tree
- Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk.
- Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
Lighting the tree
- Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
- Read manufacturer’s instructions for the number of strands to connect.
- Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
After Christmas
- Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
- Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
- Dispose of the tree as soon as possible. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
Live tree disposal options
- Drop off your live Christmas trees beginning Tuesday, Dec. 26 through Tuesday, Jan. 9 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily at the self-service drop-off area located just north of the Town of Queen Creek’s Field Operations Facility, at 19715 S. 220th St. Use Ryan Road as there will be no access from 220th Street.
- All lights, decorations and ornaments must be removed before dropping off.
- Only live Christmas trees will be accepted.
- Schedule a bulk pick-up for your Christmas tree online - trees must be cut down to 4-foot sections for bulk pick-up.
- Take your tree (and up to 1,000 pounds of material) to Waste Connections’ Apache Junction transfer station for $10.
