Christmas Tree Syndrome is a phenomenon in which mold that grows inside the trees triggers an allergic reaction. A tree can develop more than 50 kinds of mold, so it’s no wonder many people experience symptoms. If you plan on getting into the holiday spirit with a decorated tree this season, learn what causes the fungal growth and which mold remediation techniques you can use to keep your family healthy.

Mold Remediation Guide to Christmas Tree Syndrome

What Causes It

Christmas trees are typically cut weeks before purchase. After being cut at the farm, they are baled tightly, put on refrigerated trucks for transportation, then unpacked outside for sale. Moisture is present throughout the process. When the tree is bundled up tightly, it creates the perfect environment for mold growth.

The most common types of mold that grow on trees include aspergillus, penicillium, and cladosporium. Once the tree is brought into the warm environment of a home, the mold will release its spores into the air. When people breathe in those spores, they experience allergic reactions of cold and flu-like symptoms.

How to Prevent It

If possible, purchase a tree that you can cut yourself. This gives you better control over the transportation process and limits how much time the tree spends cut, which is when mold grows.

Unpack the tree and clean it thoroughly before bringing it into your home. Wash down the trunk with water and bleach as a simple mold remediation process to kill spores. Use a leaf blower on the branches and needles to blow away any pollen. Once you bring the tree indoors, place an air purifier in the same room; it will remove almost all of the remaining mold spores.

Christmas trees aren’t the only threat to your air quality. If you find any other mold in your home, act immediately to ensure your family’s health. SERVPRO of Kailua North / Laie provides timely mold remediation services so you can breathe easy in Kaneohe, HI. They’ll make the process easy for you with 24/7 emergency availability and assistance filing your insurance claim. Their other remediation services include flood cleanup, smoke damage, and biohazard cleanup. See their full range of services on their website, and call (808) 235-5015 to request a free estimate.