Because there is still a lot of electricity happening there.

I know that I say this will arouse the anger of many Christmas die-hards... But when it comes to my Christmas tree, I am completely teamwork. They are easy to install, do not shed pine needles everywhere, they last forever-I just like them. Of course, like most parents in the Internet age, I have also seen shocking news reports: The Christmas tree was engulfed by flames, and the dry needles burned the gifts into a crisp after burning under the hot light. Or worse. But is this fiery question unique to real trees? Will artificial Christmas trees also catch fire?

Yes. They can. Anything can be burned, as long as there is enough heat, artificial trees are no exception. However, compared with real trees, they are much less likely to catch fire. (Unless your artificial tree is recalled, you can check it on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission website. Then your risk may be higher!)

Why are artificial trees safer? Well, it depends on many things. This is a side-by-side comparison.

The real tree is made of firewood. There is also a needle, as any good camper knows, it is a good lighter. As the North Carolina Consumer Council explains, needles and wood burn better when dry, so you can reduce the risk by preventing them from drying out. But they are still basically made of firewood.

According to Business Insider reports, artificial trees are made from a variety of materials. PVC is a kind of plastic and a common main component. This is usually wrapped in a metal frame and then covered with lights, decorations and fake "snow" usually made of latex paint. Trees can also be made of metal or optical fiber. Some of these materials, such as metal, will not burn; others, such as PVC made from most trees, will catch fire. However, according to CBS Chicago, even if PVC does catch fire, it will not burn as fast or as violently as dry trees.

When buying artificial trees with pre-installed lights, look for the UL symbol: the letters "UL" in the circle are usually found on the battery pack, safety label, and/or product packaging. Underwriters Laboratories of the United States tests the safety of products, including testing for flammability. You may have seen their logo on hundreds of products, but you haven't even noticed it. Or now that you know it, you will start to notice it on everything from toasters to children's battery-powered toys. The UL symbol tells you that this tree has been inspected for safety.

According to Artificial Plants Limited, many artificial trees are now coated with flame-retardant coatings. Or, if your tree is not yet painted, you can buy a spray and paint it yourself.

Yes, these paints can also be used on real trees. But you must remember to apply for it every year. And the decoration is already very troublesome, especially for the "helpful" children. You can get an artificial tree that has been coated with a flame-retardant coating so that it will be safer (but not fireproof) when it enters your home the first time.

The good news and the bad news is that some pre-ignited artificial trees have been recalled due to safety issues such as exposed electrical wires, which could set them on fire. This is bad because, well, it's on fire. This is great because someone is actually checking for these issues, so they can spot the problem before it finds you. Yes, you must check once a year, because new recall notices will be issued when new problems are discovered, even for old products. But you can't tell me that some things on Google are really too much trouble.

Well, some people may still light up their Christmas trees with real candles. I am sure it is beautiful. But most people are using electric lights. This is the cause of most Christmas tree fires. No matter how dry, a real tree will not catch fire suddenly. It needs a spark to start it. This spark usually comes from electricity.

Therefore, whether you own an artificial tree or a real tree, the most important thing is to pay attention to electrical safety, Safe Bee reports. Don't plug too many things into one socket. And don't connect too many light strings in a row; electricity, which is roughly the same as plugging them into the same socket. Check the wiring for any tears in the plastic insulation, especially after it has been rolled up and stored. Do not allow children or pets to chew, tear, or otherwise damage the cord. Turn off the lights at night when no one is watching. Check to make sure everything is plugged in all the time, because half-plugged wires can be a big hazard, whether it's a fire or electric shock. Also stay away from other flammable materials. You don't want a hot light bulb to ignite a thin paper. If you do choose a tree that is mainly made of metal, especially a tree with metal "pins", please check how to safely ignite it-because if any bare wire touches the metal, it will conduct electricity.

Of course I am not here to ask you to convert to the fake tree church, but I mean... I am kind of. In addition to fewer fire hazards, there are many other reasons that need to be dealt with manually this year.

First of all, they are very convenient. You don't need to drag the real tree home, just walk to the garage and grab it. Second, affordability. You can buy a beautiful fake tree for $100-even if you only use it for five years, it will only be $20 a year! Third, they are more beautiful. Yes, I know this is a controversial point that will provoke a debate, but I will not make concessions on this issue. Natural trees inevitably have defects, and it is difficult to find a tree that fits your space perfectly. Fake trees are perfect in all the right ways; they are symmetrical, balanced and very fluffy. You can buy endless options until you find the style that suits your home.

But, of course, safety is the most important factor. Although artificial trees can catch fire, they are much less likely. And, no matter which tree you choose, the most important thing is basic electrical safety.

This article was originally published on December 4, 2019