For many renters, to have a Christmas tree in a home is a requisite of celebrating the holiday. But bringing a fresh-cut tree or even a large imitation tree into your Jacksonville home can be a very costly nuisance or even worse.
As stated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Christmas trees are responsible for causing an average of 170 residential fires every year, causing an average of 15 injuries, 4 deaths, and $12 million in property damage. Figures like these prove just how dangerous Christmas trees can be, and may encourage you and your landlord to search for creative alternatives.
Safety aside, electing a low-cost, low-hassle alternative to the traditional Christmas tree just may give you a chance to get those artistic juices flowing. A substitute Christmas tree can be constructed out of just about any material you can think of, giving you a creative new take on the traditional tree.
For instance, if you have an available wall in your living room or another appropriate setting, you could create a “tree” out of crepe paper or washi tape, adding ornaments that you can attach directly to the wall. For the more daring, consider making a tree out of post-it notes, using different colored notes to create the effect of green branches and colorful ornaments. You may perhaps likewise draw or paint a tree outline on a large canvas or chalkboard, allowing your artistic side to shine through. By using removable tape or other materials, you can easily create an affordable “tree” on your wall that can then be quickly removed.
For renters looking for a more 3-dimensional option, dwell on what you can finish with a wooden ladder, a stack of books, or several large pieces of cardboard. Ever notice how a freestanding ladder resembles a triangle from the side? Wrap a string of lights around it and add a few decorative touches, and you have created a “Christmas tree” that you can use for home maintenance tasks the entire rest of the year.
For the book lover, consider creating a “tree” on a small table by creatively stacking some books. You can then add ornaments on top to give it the true holiday feel. Or you could work on crafting a multi-sided “tree” out of large pieces of cardboard inserted through each other. This freestanding tree stand-in can then be painted or ornamented to give it just the appearance and impression you want.
Further creative options to consider consist of twine and twigs. It is simple to create a “tree” shape by wrapping an upside-down cone, tomato cage, or other items with twine, felt, or decorative ribbon. These lovely creations can then be exhibited anywhere you have space to boaster your achievement. For a more rustic approach, consider trying different lengths of twigs together to create a tree-shaped twig ladder that can be draped in a window or mounted on a wall.
Artistic and low-cost, each of these choices might just be your new go-to Christmas decoration. But if you do have queries about what decorations your landlord will allow, it is important to communicate early and recurrently with your landlord or Jacksonville property manager. Eventually, they are your best guide to a safe and hassle-free holiday season. For more information about how the team at Real Property Management Sunstate can help, contact us online or call us at 877-373-8404.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
