Do you consider real Christmas trees a fire hazard? - The DIS Discussion Forums

C.Ann · 11-20-2009, 04:59 PM

I received a letter from a friend today in another state who lives in a gated HOA type community.. She was discussing the various Christmas trees she will be putting up in several of the rooms in her home and happened to mention that "real" Christmas trees are banned there because they're considered a fire hazard..

Anyone else life in a gated and/or HOA community where real Christmas trees are banned?

landshark · 11-20-2009, 05:01 PM

No, but for what it's worth, if MythBusters is anything to go by, they busted the whole "live Christmas trees are a fire hazard" thing--even with the giant light strings notorious for being the culprit.

goofyernmost · 11-20-2009, 05:03 PM

With todays "cool" bulbs there is nothing hot enough to catch fire unless you have a short in the wires and that would roast an artificial tree as well.

While I do miss the sweet pine smell in the house but at the same time I think it is awful to kill a tree to just hang a couple of lights on it for a few days. Seems like an assault on nature to me.

kim929 · 11-20-2009, 05:05 PM

I love having a real christmas tree. I can't imagine not having a real one

hrh_disney_queen · 11-20-2009, 05:14 PM

I live in a gated community with pretty tight HOA rules, and I have never heard of this, ever. As far as I know, my HOA has no control over anything inside my house, as long as it doesn't end up outside.

I don't even get it, unless it is a gated community of patio homes, or attached homes, why would the HOA care if you torched your own house? (I dont' really believe that Christmas trees cause fires if they are properly tended, BTW.)

They grow those trees on tree farms specifically for that reason. It's like a vegetable garden, and completely renewed when the time is right. It's not like they go out into the woods and cut down a hundred trees for a tree lot. The occasional private citizen may cut their own off their own property, but most of them are grown and trimmed for sales.

All that being said, I have had an artificial tree for about 20 years-the same one. A real tree the size of what we need (12 feet at least) would cost us about $150/year. So we have our PITA put-it-together-branch-by-branch tree and I can put it up whenever I want to.

debster812 · 11-20-2009, 05:18 PM

Nope. Growing up all we ever had were real trees. And my dad was a firefighter, and "Johnny Safety" If he was OK with it, then I certainly think it's OK.

Of course, you have to use common sense. Keep it well watered. DON'T get your live tree the day after Thanksgiving so it's dry as a bone by Christmas from being inside, in the dry heat of your house. Etc, etc, etc.

Sadly, DS is highly allergic to real trees, so we have to have an artificial.

C.Ann · 11-20-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrh_disney_queen

I live in a gated community with pretty tight HOA rules, and I have never heard of this, ever. As far as I know, my HOA has no control over anything inside my house, as long as it doesn't end up outside..

Don't you remember a few years ago there was a thread on here about an HOA that would not allow people to place their Christmas trees in front of a window - or anywhere else in their home where it could be seen from the outside?

There are some pretty wacky HOA rules out there.. LOL..

hrh_disney_queen · 11-20-2009, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C.Ann

Don't you remember a few years ago there was a thread on here about an HOA that would not allow people to place their Christmas trees in front of a window - or anywhere else in their home where it could be seen from the outside?

There are some pretty wacky HOA rules out there.. LOL..

Well THAT sounds like a LOVELY place to live.

I think I missed that one and I'm glad, it would be hard to defend the concept of HOA's when they pull stuff like that.

SaraJayne · 11-20-2009, 05:40 PM

No, I don't consider a real Christmas tree a fire hazard.

I will only have real Christmas trees ~ nothing beats them.

GeorgeG · 11-20-2009, 05:40 PM

We're gated, but there are no restrictions on real trees. That said, I think the real trees smell nice, but make a mess when they lose needles, and they WILL lose needles no matter how well you take care of them.

In over forty years as a volunteer fireman, I can only recall two Christmas tree fires and both were real trees that had dried out. The source of ignition was probably shorted wiring. The new lights are pretty inexpensive and should be replaced every other year and inspected closely the second year. If you have pets that chew, keep a close eye on them and if there is any doubt, toss them. Keep all open flames and heat sources away from the tree (at least three feet, more is better). Fireplaces and wood stoves are of particular concern. They make for a nice seasonal combination, but proper precautions are a must. Once a dry tree catches, it goes up in a hurry.

happygirl · 11-20-2009, 05:48 PM

Not really

wdwfan16 · 11-20-2009, 07:23 PM

A well watered one is pretty save. I once was at a cousin's house when I looked over and saw some needs giving off smoke. It was not a try tree but a bulb that got too hot. Had I not seen it the tree would have been on fire very soon.

nutterbutter2010 · 11-20-2009, 07:30 PM

I wish we could have a real tree, but DH would never. He convinced that a real tree gets sap everywhere. I try to explain to him that other people have real trees, and don't have this "sap issue" but he just wont listen. Anyone know of a nice pine scented spray??

GaSleepingBeautyFan · 11-20-2009, 07:32 PM

Not really unless you put it right next to the fireplace like my parents did (twice) and have it catch fire when Dad was messing with the fireplace and a spark escaped. (or so he says, I'm thinking a log rolled out and hit it just right.)

They learned after the 2nd time not to put the tree there. I would've thought they learned after the first time but, hey, it's my crazy parents. LOL

So anyway, back on track:
I think that's going too far. Another HOA out of control. How is the HOA gonna know? Would they have spies watching her drive thru with a live tree and unloading it? Or will they fine her after when they see her removing the tree?
I can see it now - the HOA setting up a live tree patrol, peeking in all the front windows looking for live trees, watching people drive in and out.

pansmermaidzlagoon · 11-20-2009, 07:34 PM

no, just keep it watered and take the usual precautions.

our HOA is really relaxed, they are more concerned about what is outside the house. I can't see them passing anything even close to those rules.

11-20-2009, 04:59 PM	#1
C.Ann We'll remember when... No time for green bananas When the going gets tough, she gets the Palmolive!! If I knew we were going to be graded here, I might try harder Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 28,920	Do you consider real Christmas trees a fire hazard? I received a letter from a friend today in another state who lives in a gated HOA type community.. She was discussing the various Christmas trees she will be putting up in several of the rooms in her home and happened to mention that "real" Christmas trees are banned there because they're considered a fire hazard.. Anyone else life in a gated and/or HOA community where real Christmas trees are banned? __________________ C.Ann ----------------- *"Scars remind us where we've been.. They don't have to dictate where we're going.."* "Life ain't always beautiful.....but it's a beautiful ride." "We won't be sad, we'll be glad for all the life we've had and we'll remember when...."

11-20-2009, 05:01 PM	#2
landshark Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 239	No, but for what it's worth, if MythBusters is anything to go by, they busted the whole "live Christmas trees are a fire hazard" thing--even with the giant light strings notorious for being the culprit. __________________ July 1992 - Off Site June 2008 - Pop Century Sept. 2009 - Pop Century (free dining!)

11-20-2009, 05:03 PM	#3
goofyernmost Too old to be a kid...Too young to be an adult!! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Vermont Posts: 3,001	With todays "cool" bulbs there is nothing hot enough to catch fire unless you have a short in the wires and that would roast an artificial tree as well. While I do miss the sweet pine smell in the house but at the same time I think it is awful to kill a tree to just hang a couple of lights on it for a few days. Seems like an assault on nature to me. __________________ Older mans body, young childs spirit!! Nothing adult has ever happened to me at Disney!

11-20-2009, 05:05 PM	#4
kim929 Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 489	I love having a real christmas tree. I can't imagine not having a real one __________________

11-20-2009, 05:14 PM	#5
hrh_disney_queen My DH has the hots for Stacey Momma wuvs her little kitty-kitty, oh yes she does, oh, yes she does I knew what he was before I touched him, just never thought they could MOVE that fast Join Date: May 2004 Location: In my laughing place Posts: 10,760	I live in a gated community with pretty tight HOA rules, and I have never heard of this, ever. As far as I know, my HOA has no control over anything inside my house, as long as it doesn't end up outside. I don't even get it, unless it is a gated community of patio homes, or attached homes, why would the HOA care if you torched your own house? (I dont' really believe that Christmas trees cause fires if they are properly tended, BTW.) They grow those trees on tree farms specifically for that reason. It's like a vegetable garden, and completely renewed when the time is right. It's not like they go out into the woods and cut down a hundred trees for a tree lot. The occasional private citizen may cut their own off their own property, but most of them are grown and trimmed for sales. All that being said, I have had an artificial tree for about 20 years-the same one. A real tree the size of what we need (12 feet at least) would cost us about $150/year. So we have our PITA put-it-together-branch-by-branch tree and I can put it up whenever I want to. __________________ .... "Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son." Dean Wormer

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11-20-2009, 05:18 PM	#6
debster812 DIS Earth Angel! Anyone have a spare phone? Suffered from DIS withdrawals I feel so technical, 'stick', 'unstick' Ya Ya Sister! Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: In the Boonies Posts: 10,901	Nope. Growing up all we ever had were real trees. And my dad was a firefighter, and "Johnny Safety" If he was OK with it, then I certainly think it's OK. Of course, you have to use common sense. Keep it well watered. DON'T get your live tree the day after Thanksgiving so it's dry as a bone by Christmas from being inside, in the dry heat of your house. Etc, etc, etc. Sadly, DS is highly allergic to real trees, so we have to have an artificial. __________________ Debbie--Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

11-20-2009, 05:40 PM	#9
SaraJayne DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NE WI Posts: 833	No, I don't consider a real Christmas tree a fire hazard. I will only have real Christmas trees ~ nothing beats them.

11-20-2009, 05:40 PM	#10
GeorgeG Stumped for 2005 You can keep the pickles I fully intend to be a ghost when it's my turn Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: The Villages, Florida Posts: 5,834	We're gated, but there are no restrictions on real trees. That said, I think the real trees smell nice, but make a mess when they lose needles, and they WILL lose needles no matter how well you take care of them. In over forty years as a volunteer fireman, I can only recall two Christmas tree fires and both were real trees that had dried out. The source of ignition was probably shorted wiring. The new lights are pretty inexpensive and should be replaced every other year and inspected closely the second year. If you have pets that chew, keep a close eye on them and if there is any doubt, toss them. Keep all open flames and heat sources away from the tree (at least three feet, more is better). Fireplaces and wood stoves are of particular concern. They make for a nice seasonal combination, but proper precautions are a must. Once a dry tree catches, it goes up in a hurry. __________________ Proud grandfather of a United States Marine!

11-20-2009, 05:48 PM	#11
happygirl Wishing upon Okay this is starting to get freaky Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 6,861	Not really __________________ hubby Richard 37 me Jenny 32 daughter Ashlyn 6 son Brady 4 Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away

11-20-2009, 07:23 PM	#12
wdwfan16 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,585	A well watered one is pretty save. I once was at a cousin's house when I looked over and saw some needs giving off smoke. It was not a try tree but a bulb that got too hot. Had I not seen it the tree would have been on fire very soon. __________________ January babies (1973) DH and DW, DD(5/06), DS(3/09)

11-20-2009, 07:30 PM	#13
nutterbutter2010 DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 546	I wish we could have a real tree, but DH would never. He convinced that a real tree gets sap everywhere. I try to explain to him that other people have real trees, and don't have this "sap issue" but he just wont listen. Anyone know of a nice pine scented spray??

11-20-2009, 07:32 PM	#14
GaSleepingBeautyFan DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 2,739	Not really unless you put it right next to the fireplace like my parents did (twice) and have it catch fire when Dad was messing with the fireplace and a spark escaped. (or so he says, I'm thinking a log rolled out and hit it just right.) They learned after the 2nd time not to put the tree there. I would've thought they learned after the first time but, hey, it's my crazy parents. LOL So anyway, back on track: I think that's going too far. Another HOA out of control. How is the HOA gonna know? Would they have spies watching her drive thru with a live tree and unloading it? Or will they fine her after when they see her removing the tree? I can see it now - the HOA setting up a live tree patrol, peeking in all the front windows looking for live trees, watching people drive in and out. __________________ Me DD10 DS14 DH Connie WDW: 12 family trips, 1 solo trip US/IOA: 4 family trips

11-20-2009, 07:34 PM	#15
pansmermaidzlagoon Mickey asks that you not advise screwing things into his head Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: upstate NY Posts: 5,479	no, just keep it watered and take the usual precautions. our HOA is really relaxed, they are more concerned about what is outside the house. I can't see them passing anything even close to those rules. __________________ 72 First trip: 74 Fort Wilderness: 91 Honeymoon CBR: 93 CBR: 2000 Treehouse: 02 POR: 03 ASMo: 04 ASMo/Poly Concierge (Frances!!!): 05 POR: 06 MNSSHP/MAGIC Eastern Cruise!!! (RCCL: 92 Western, '96 Eastern, '98 Western): '08 DL/PANAMA CANAL REPO CRUISE/WDW: '09 POR/MNSSHP

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