By Illinois Information Services/Kim Howard and WJEZ’s Todd Wineburner/Radio Bloomington File Photo

Pontiac Fire Chief Scott Runyon says one element of holiday safety is keeping your natural tree fully watered, so here’s a tip for keeping a Christmas tree looking fresh through the holidays.The best thing you can do is make sure your tree has plenty of water says U of I Extension Horticulture Expert Richard Hentschel. “While there are a number of additives, good old water seems to be the best,” said Hentschel. Hentschel says the base needs to always be covered in water or else resin will form and the tree won’t be able to absorb water. Other tips for staving off dryness include keeping the tree away from heat vents, and using miniature lights which produce the least amount of heat.