christmas tree, christmas tree mold, mold, mold remediation, christmas tree syndrome, mold testing

What Is Christmas Tree Syndrome And How Can You Prevent It?

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree…

While the holidays are usually an exciting, cheerful time spent with family, there’s nothing like Christmas tree syndrome to put the “bah humbug” in your holiday festivities. If you have symptoms such as itchy, sore or watery eyes, a blocked or runny nose, or a persistent cough or wheeze, you may have a cold or the flu – or you may have Christmas tree syndrome.

 What is Christmas Tree Syndrome?

Christmas tree syndrome is an allergic reaction to mold spores that hang around live trees. According to one study, approximately 7% of the general population with allergies suffers from Christmas tree allergies. In another study, researchers examined 23 samples of bark and pine needles from Christmas trees. They ended up identifying 53 different kinds of mold growing on them!

If you notice that you or someone in your household has started to show signs of feeling ill since putting up your Christmas tree, this could be due to having Christmas tree syndrome.

How To Prevent Christmas Tree Syndrome

Luckily, there are ways to prevent Christmas tree syndrome from taking over your home and ruining your holidays.

  1. Clean The Tree

Before you bring your live Christmas tree into the house, make sure to clean it thoroughly before bringing it inside. Use a leaf blower to blow off all the pollen and mold spores outside. Then, spray with a bleach and water solution. Once you’ve done this, make sure to spray it off with water and let it dry. Remember, mold thrives in moist conditions, so you don’t want to bring a wet tree inside.

  1. Limit The Time Your Tree Is Inside

This isn’t something we want to do, but in order to avoid Christmas tree syndrome, sometimes it’s what’s best. Consider getting your tree later than you usually would – or taking it down right after Christmas to limit your exposure.

  1. Consider Cutting The Tree Yourself

Many places have the “u-cut” option. By cutting the tree down yourself, you are limiting your chances of mold. This is because pre-cut trees often go through storage and transportation practices in dark and humid climates that are a breeding ground for mold.

  1. Get an Artificial Tree Instead

Getting an artificial tree is another option. However, even with artificial trees, you should be careful. They can be prone to mold growth, too, if stored improperly in your attic or basement.

Wondering If You Might Have Christmas Tree Syndrome? Contact The Pros At RestoPros In Dallas, TX And Surrounding Areas!

If you need mold remediation and/or testing services, RestoPros is the one to call! Sometimes, no matter how many precautions you take, mold can still grow. If you find that mold has made its way inside your home this holiday season, don’t hesitate to call on us! We can be reached at 855-587-3786 or online here.