EDDIE SEAGLE: Leafy and holiday decor – Moultrie Observer

The leaves all fall, and fall as they like to the ground. Andrea Gibson. “Autumn leaves a rain like gold, like a rainbow, when the wind of change begins to blow.” Dan Millman. “I can smell the autumn dance in the air. The coolness of the pumpkin, and the hot leaves of the sun.” Ann Drake. “October, baptize me with leaves! Wrap me in corduroy and dip me in split pea soup. October, put little candies in my pockets and make my smile a thousand pumpkins. Oh autumn!” Rainbow Rowell. “Autumn heat is different from summer heat. One ripens apples, the other turns it into cider.” Jane Hirshfield.

Fall and Thanksgiving decorations can be found everywhere we look. Such decorations help spread the holiday spirit within each of us. Christmas lights and decorations will follow soon. Such displays of decorum and appreciation bring joy and happiness to our hearts. We take special trips through town and countryside just to see such decorations. It’s time to decorate the leaves and holiday decorations.

However, with Christmas lights comes a lot of responsibility to ensure the safety of the home, workplace and community throughout this time of year. Safety tips should be considered in the selection, placement, lighting and storage or disposal of your chosen trees.

In tree selection, choosing the right tree is important. We all want a tree that is the right size and shape. Also, choose a tree with new, green needles that do not fall off when touched. A trip to the tree farm to help pick the tree of your choice will be clean and healthy. If you choose from pre-cut trees, take into account the condition of the tree, the distance it has traveled (wind damage and drying), and the length of time it has been cut. If you choose artificial wood, make sure it is labeled, certified, or classified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.

Before placing the real tree in a suitable, solid location, saw about 1-inch from the base of the trunk to provide a new surface for absorbing water. Make sure the tree is at least three meters away from any heat source such as fireplaces, heat vents, heaters, candles or lights. Also, make sure that the tree does not block the exit. Add enough water to the base of the tree, check the water level regularly, and add water every day throughout the growing season.

Tree decoration is the next step in this process. Use safe lamps and lanterns with a label that shows approval from an independent testing laboratory. Indoor lighting cannot be safely used outdoors. Always read the packaging to find out where your lights can be used (indoors or outdoors).

Always remove broken or broken lights or loose light cords. Never connect more than three strands of small filament or size 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs to one electrical outlet. Use approved power cords with circuit breakers to connect the power supply to a nearby electrical outlet. In addition, read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of LED strips that can be safely connected.

Use tape or velcro to secure loose wires that could be a nuisance to people and pets walking around the room or on the porch. Always tie up loose ends with zip ties or fasteners in a hidden area to help keep the room neat and clutter-free. Lamps use a lot of energy so never fill sockets or electrical outlets. Make sure the lamps have proper ventilation by keeping the lamps free of materials that could overheat and start a fire.

Do not use burning candles to decorate the tree. Always turn off the Christmas tree lights before you leave the house or go to bed. Never leave the lights on at home alone. If you have pets, make sure to keep them away from the decorated tree at all times. Big dogs can knock on a tree and cats (with all their curiosity) will climb the tree and make it go up. Both dogs and cats will chew electrical cords causing problems for themselves and the household.

Once the tree has served its purpose and Christmas has passed, take the tree down before it starts shedding needles excessively. Dry and dead trees become a fire hazard and should not be left in the house or garage, or placed outside against the house. Be sure to check with your community to find a recycling program or disposal method for your tree. Label correctly, wrap tangle-free and store all your lights (indoors and outdoors) while you’re winding down after the holidays.

The cardboard box that your artificial tree came in will begin to deteriorate and encourage insect infestation over time. Choose a good-sized bag or storage box for long-term storage. The advantage of using an artificial tree is that it is in areas with permanently attached lights. However, special decorations benefit from being kept in their original packaging and placed in a large storage box. If the first box is missing, then store the small decorations in the empty egg box.

The most important things for people with native trees are to keep them well-watered, with proper and safe lighting, and to know when to take them down after the holidays before they die. very dry. Also, never use indoor extension cords for outdoor lighting, unplug light cords before changing bulbs, do not install too many extension cords, remove burned out bulbs immediately same voltage, and always read product safety labels before using the product.

Enjoy all your leafy activities followed by viewing Christmas lights in your neighborhood and beyond. May God bless each of you this season as you bless others in your daily journey through time!

“He is your praise; It is your God, who has done for you those great and terrible wonders that you have seen with your own eyes.” Deuteronomy 10:21. “All people will hate you because of Me, but the one who stands firm to the end is the one who will be saved.” Matthew 10:22. “Everything is permitted”—but not everything is good. “Everything is allowed” – but not everything is constructive. No one should seek what is good for himself, but what is good for others.” 1 Corinthians 10:23-24. “Rebuke me, Lord, but only with justice, not with your anger, lest you make me useless.” Jeremiah 10:24. “The earth is Jehovah’s, and all that is in it.” 1 Corinthians 10:26.

Eddie Seagle is Sustainability Verifier, Golf Environment Organization (Scotland), Agronomist and Horticulturalist, CSI: Seagle (Consulting Services International) LLC, Professor Emeritus and Honorary Alumnus, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Associate Editor of The Golf Course, International Journal of Golf Science , and Interim Pastor, Heritage Church, Moultrie. Direct questions to csi_seagle@yahoo.com.