Key risks

• Trips or slips if the skirt protrudes into walkways, forms creases or shifts on smooth floors.
• Fire hazard if it comes into contact with flames, sparks or nearby heat sources.
• Overheating and electrical damage if it covers extension leads, sockets or power adaptors.
• Moisture from leaks from the stand of real trees, with possible mould, unpleasant odours and floor damage.
• Colour transfer to floors or carpets, especially if the fabric becomes damp.
• Small decorations, threads or sequins coming loose, posing an ingestion risk for children and pets.
• Snagging on ties or edges, which can trap children, pets or robot vacuum cleaners.
• Build-up of needles and dust that can cause mess and slips.

Safe use

• Choose a size to match the tree’s diameter and the space available, avoiding encroaching on walkways.
• Lay the skirt flat and crease-free; if it has fastenings, secure them to prevent movement.
• On smooth floors, place a discreet non-slip underlay beneath to reduce sliding.
• Keep away from radiators, heaters, fireplaces and candles; do not place hot appliances or candles on the skirt.
• Do not cover extension leads, sockets, power adaptors or transformers, or cables; route light cables externally and leave ventilation and access.
• With real trees, use a waterproof protector or tray under the stand and wipe up any spills immediately.
• Frequently remove needles and dirt; clean according to the product care instructions.
• Check seams, embellishments and ties; trim loose threads and remove any parts that come off.
• If there are young children or pets, supervise and prevent them from biting, pulling or becoming entangled with the skirt.

Storage and maintenance

• Clean the skirt according to the care label; if in doubt, test in an inconspicuous area to check colourfastness.
• Dry completely before storing to prevent mould and unpleasant odours.
• Store in a breathable cover or dry box, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
• Avoid compressing rigid decorations; if possible, roll rather than fold to preserve the shape.
• Keep away from heat sources and from products that could stain or transfer odours.
• At the start of each season, check seams, fastenings and fabric condition; repair or dispose of it if it is badly deteriorated.
• Store out of reach of children and pets to prevent pulling or damage.

Restrictions on use

• Not a toy or a blanket: do not allow children or pets to play, hide or sleep on the skirt.
• Keep bags and packaging plastics out of the reach of children.
• Do not use outdoors unless the product clearly indicates that it is suitable for outdoor use.
• Do not use if it is damp, shows visible mould or has loose decorations that could detach.
• Do not place directly on wet or freshly treated surfaces (recent varnishing or cleaning) to avoid marks or colour transfer.
• Do not cover air vents, extension leads or electrical devices.
• If you use robot vacuum cleaners, remove the skirt or cordon off the area during cleaning to prevent snags.
• Avoid any contact with flames or sparks.