KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – If you’ve got your tree and Christmas lights up already, there are some tips you should know about to make sure you haven’t overdone it.

Volunteer TV News talked to the Knoxville Fire Department and a local home improvement store to get a better idea of what to avoid in the name of safety.

Lowe's has been selling a lot of fresh cut Christmas trees. At first the branches are lush and green, but over time they’ll get dry and dangerous.

“Dried out and brittle Christmas trees are a very serious fire hazard that can go up very quickly," said Matt Lousteau, a Lowe’s live nursery specialist.

The fire department offered more tips on what to look for when you go tree shopping.

“Feel it,” said KFD Capt. DJ Corcoran, “make sure the needles bend instead of snap. If they snap, find one that's a little more moist."

You should also make sure to cut off some of the trunk base.

“Make a fresh cut on bottom so water can absorb and go out to limbs where it's needed," he said.

Also remember to water your Christmas tree daily. There are special tree stands you can buy with a place to pour in water. Another good idea is to spray no burn fire guard on the tree and remember to turn off any lights you string on it.

“Go an extra step and unplug it,” said Capt. Corcoran, “that way you know for sure there is no source of electricity getting to those cords."

If you're decorating outside, make sure you don't use indoor lights outside and use special clips designed to securely hold the light strands.

”They also sell clips that will keep your lights separate from the gutters and framework of your house,” said Lousteau. “That's a good idea so your lights are directly on your building materials."

Also remember if you live in the city limits of Knoxville, you can’t have a live Christmas tree in your apartment.