Cover photo by @tak.89
Once all the gifts have been given and the new year approaches, you might be left with a dried-up Christmas tree, wondering what to do with it. While you might be tempted to burn your tree in your fire pit, it’s important to think of fire safety precautions in order to protect yourself, home, and the fire pit you love so much.
Here’s three reasons why burning your Christmas tree in your fire pit might not be the best idea.
1: The smoke is toxic
While our fire pits create a smokeless flame, the amount of moisture in your Christmas tree will inevitably create smoke in your fire pit. Coniferous needles contain nitrogen and substances called terpenes which are highly toxic when burned, making the smoke in your fire pit unsafe for you and others around your fire pit to breathe.
2: Your tree isn’t as dry as it seems
Your tree might look dry, withered, and brown, but there is still plenty of moisture inside. Christmas trees are chopped a maximum of two months before you bring it home. Coupled with the fact that you may have been watering your tree to keep it alive, your tree may not be dry enough to be burned as fuel.
We recommend burning dry wood in your fire pit not only to ensure you experience a smokeless flame, but also because burning wet wood can create a flammable, corrosive substance called creosote that can build up inside your fire pit. The buildup can restrict the airflow in your fire pit and damage your ash pan.
Creosote is a toxic substance that can also reignite and spark in your fire pit.
3: Christmas tree needles create sparks
Christmas tree needles, no matter how dry, are extremely flammable and have the potential to create a shower of sparks that can be difficult to control. The sparks can leave your fire pit if you aren’t using a Shield and can set grass, clothes, and nearby furniture on fire.
What’s the best way to dispose of my Christmas Tree?
The best way to dispose of your tree is to recycle it or take it to your local landfill. Many local authorities offer drop-off stations or special collection days for Christmas trees and will either recycle the tree or take it to the landfill for you.