After the introduction of electricity, light bulbs replaced candles and trees began to be erected in public place for all to enjoy. The first of the electric-lit public trees that is well recorded took place in Pasadena, California in 1909. Just part of the landscape so to speak. As a note of practicality in this historical lesson, do keep your evergreen well watered this season. Not that it will live afterwards but if you keep it watered in its stand, the needles will stay green longer and not dry out.
Dry needles are serious fire hazards and can be lit off by the heat of a nearby electric light bulb.
Once ignited, it only takes three seconds for the tree to be totally consumed by flames and is almost impossible to extinguish with household fire systems. A few gallons of water and a few minutes every day or two can easily prevent a tragedy. Let me take this moment to wish all of you a very happy holiday season. However you see or celebrate this holiday season, I hope you can find it in your hearts to bring some love into this world. Love, in life or gardening, is really the most important thing we share and my Christmas wish for you would be that you are able to find and share some love with those around you.