Fire Hazard

• Any fake Christmas tree can present a fire hazard. Even modern trees that carry a "flame retardant" label may pose a fire risk, the National Christmas Tree Association points out on its website.
  
  

Materials

• Modern trees are made of a combination of plastics and metals. Older trees, however, evolved from plastic-bristled toilet brushes, notes the National Christmas Tree Association. Although some very old trees contain aluminum, many had plastic needles.
  
  

Considerations

• Consumers should use only artificial trees that fit into a home's available space. Artificial trees that stand too close to the ceiling or wall may pose an additional fire hazard as lights heat up painted surfaces.