Enjoy Live Holiday Trees Safely

December 3, 2014 at 9:34 AM | Posted in Event Planning, Holidays, Home, Safety Tips, Seasonal | Leave a comment
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Enjoy Live Holiday Trees Safely:

The whirlwind of the holiday season is upon us. One day we’re giving thanks, and the next we’re pulling out the holiday decorations.   When it comes to decorating, artificial trees may provide “less-mess”, than that of a live tree.  For those wishing to purchase a real tree, the fresher trees last longer and are less of a fire hazard.  The following tips are some ways to tell you are choosing a fresh tree:

  • When you bend the needles between your fingers they do not break
  • The needles are hard to pull off of the branches
  • When the trunk of the tree is bounced on the ground, there is not a shower of falling needles
  • The cut end of the trunk is sticky with resin

When you get your fresh tree home, you should cut off an additional two inches of the trunk. This exposes fresh wood which in turn will have better absorption. Be sure to keep the tree stand filled with water for the entirety the tree is indoors. It should be placed away from any heat sources (such as radiators and fire places), and from high traffic areas. You may want to secure the tree to the wall or ceiling with guy-wires which are almost invisible.

As you decorate your tree, check each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Always turn off the lights before you go to bed or leave the house.

Following these few simple suggestions may help ensure that you safely enjoy the beauty and fragrance of choosing a live tree.

Protecting Yourself from Tree Damage

August 13, 2014 at 9:24 AM | Posted in Home | Leave a comment
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These mild summer days are actually the best time to prepare for the coming storm seasons. If you have trees on your property, you may want to be aware that falling trees and limbs are very common causes of property damage, personal injury, and sometimes death. Windstorms, ice storms, and snow storms can bring even the healthiest tree crashing down. Heavy rains can saturate the ground causing trees to uproot and fall. In addition, trees with large roots can damage septic systems, foundations, utility lines, and sidewalks.

The following signs may require special attention:

  • Trees that are hollow or have cracks in the trunk and major limbs
  • Trees that are decaying or have mushrooms growing from the bark
  • Branches hanging over a roof or that directly contact a roof, siding, or power lines
  • Trees with V-shaped forks rather than U-shaped forks may be more likely to split

Most homeowners are able to attend to these conditions by pruning or removing trees themselves, however, it is always best to consult with a licensed tree care specialist.

Not all homeowner insurance policies automatically provide coverage for tree damage and removal of fallen trees. Contact your agent to see what coverage options are available to you before a loss occurs.

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