Skip to Content

Alternatives for Christmas Trees in Your Portsmouth Rental Home

A Christmas Tree Made Out of Shelves and Books in a Small Living RoomFor lots of renters, procuring a Christmas tree is a serious part of celebrating the holiday. But moving a fresh-cut tree or even a large imitation tree into your Portsmouth home can be a costly difficulty – or worse.

As reported 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. Proof like this highlights just how dangerous Christmas trees can be and may elicit you and your landlord to search for creative alternatives.

Safety aside, deciding on a low-cost, low-hassle alternative to the traditional Christmas tree may offer you a chance to get those brilliant juices racing. 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 a nearby wall in your living room or other suitable areas, 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 adventurous, contemplate making a tree out of post-it notes, using different colored notes to create the effect of green branches and colorful ornaments. You could also draw or paint a tree outline on a large canvas or chalkboard, allowing your talent 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, think about what you can strategize with a wooden ladder, a stack of books, or several large pieces of cardboard. Ever notice how a freestanding ladder looks like 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 utilize 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 might try 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 look and feel you need.

Other creative options to weigh up include twine and twigs. It is painless to create a “tree” shape by wrapping an upside-down cone, tomato cage, or other items with twine, felt, or decorative ribbon. These splendid creations can then be placed anywhere you have an opening to showoff your creation. For a more rustic approach, consider trying different lengths of twigs together to create a tree-shaped twig ladder that can be suspended in a window or fastened on a wall.

Artistic and low-priced, each of these possibilities might just be your new go-to Christmas decoration. But if you do have doubts about what decorations your landlord will allow, it is worthwhile to talk to and consistently with your landlord or Portsmouth property manager. In the end, they are your best guide to a safe and hassle-free holiday season. For more information about how the team at Real Property Management Hampton Roads can help, contact us online or call us at 757-395-4274.

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.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details