Warning to anyone with a Christmas tree | United Kingdom

A warning has been sent to anyone with a Christmas tree, real or artificial.

Homeowners should take simple precautions to prevent mold from appearing on their trees this holiday season, a DIY expert has urged.

This problem is especially prevalent with living trees, which can host more than 50 species of mold, according to Jimmy Englezos, a DIY expert at Ronseal.

He warns that even artificial trees can also be eaten away by mold if not stored properly. When brought home, these contaminated trees can transfer mold to your decorations and surrounding walls.

In addition to ruining your festive decorations, Christmas tree mold can also harm your health. This unwanted growth can worsen asthma and worsen allergies, leading to uncomfortable symptoms including a runny nose, cough, itchy skin, and irritated eyes.

Here is Jimmy’s best tips to keep your tree mold-free while the holidays are in full swing.

Clean your tree

Before bringing the tree indoors, be sure to water it. Jimmy recommends spraying it gently with water or compressed air to disperse any dust or dirt.

To prevent mold from growing in its early stages, the expert also advises targeting problem areas of the tree with water mixed with either dishwashing liquid or white vinegar.

Dust off your artificial tree and decorations

If your plastic tree has been stored in a dusty environment, be sure to shake it outside before installing it.

Jimmy points out that you should also vacuum all decorations before hanging them on the tree to prevent dust and dirt from building up, as these are key factors in causing mold growth. The artificial tree itself can also be vacuumed to ensure it is spotless.

Carefully position your tree

Place the tree in a well-ventilated area. Mold thrives in warm, humid environments, so creating constant circulation of fresh air will help disrupt fungus growth.

Store your artificial tree carefully

Where and how you store your artificial tree is a key factor in determining whether you will suffer from mold the following year.

“While convenient, attics, sheds and basements are not ideal places to store a Christmas tree, as they can be prone to humidity and extreme temperatures,” says Jimmy. Instead, he recommends opting for a dry, temperature-controlled place like a closet.

To further prevent moisture buildup, Jimmy advises storing your tree in an airtight bag. This is because the traditional cardboard box can absorb water and humidity, which encourages mold growth.