Tips on Picking and Cutting a Fresh Christmas Tree

Christmas tree vendors can be seen on streetcorners, churches, and parking lots as early as Thanksgiving. If you decide to buy a tree that early, it is possible to keep it fresh throughout the season. Proper care should give you weeks of evergreen scents to enjoy throughout the holidays. Some types are easier than others to care for, so here's a rundown of the ones you might choose.

Douglas, Balsam, and Frasier Fir

If the pungent evergreen scent is what you're looking for, a fir tree may be the one for you. Fir trees often are darker in color than others species, and give off a scent much like pine-apple. They have soft, whispy foliage that won't poke you like a pine or spruce. The firs retain moisture well, so this might be the tree for you.

White and Colorado Blue Spruce

Of all the trees you can purchase, these are the best for retaining their needles. Most people love the powdery blue color of this popular tree. They are especially prickly, so wear gloves and long sleeves when handling. You may get arash from the needles poking you, so be careful.

Scotch Pine

This tree deserves it's own grouping for it's popularity among tree farmers. The quick growth and symmetrical shape has made this tree perfect for the holiday market. The needles are typically shorter than other pines and can be identified by the presence of two per bundle. The strong, stiff branches of the scots pine are suitable for holding numerous ornaments and decorations.

Red Cedar

If you like to cut your own tree every year, chances are it'll be a red cedar. This tree has a wide growth range and can be found in most wild areas in the eastern U.S. This species is often tall and skinny due to the vertical branching habit of the tree.The aroma is outstanding but the needles are quite sharp.

These are just a few of the most popular Christmas trees throughout the country. They can be found in most tree lots, but depending on your location, your choice of trees could be limited. Remember to measure the area before you make a purchase, nothing is worse than dealing with a tree that's too big.

At the lot, feel the needles when you're checking for freshness. They should be supple and should stay on the tree when gently tugged. Stand the tree up and knock the trunk a couple times on the ground. How many needles that fall will determine how long ago the tree was cut.

Once you purchase your tree, some pruning may need to be done to give it a more symmetrical shape. Stand the tree up and decide on it's best side. Looking at the good side of the tree, prune any wild hairs that detract from it's conical shape. Make a fresh cut right before you place the tree in it's holder and water right away. Never allow the tree to dry out, the cut will crystallize and make it impossible for your tree to take up any moisture. Pick a stable christmas tree holder, one that will hold at least a gallon of water, and you'll be ready to decorate!

When hanging the lights, check the cords for cuts or abbrasions. A cut wire or broken bulb is a fire hazard, discard them if they show extensive wear and tear. Turn your lights off when you're away or when you go to bed. Lights can cause excessive heat and cause a fire. Don't place the tree around vents, radiators, or fireplaces.This will dry the tree out, shortening it's life span. A tip to make clean up easier is to dispose of the tree as soon as the needles start dropping.

Many lots carry balled and burlapped specimens to be planted when the season is over. If you can't bear the thought of cutting a tree, this may be the option for you. Try to minimize the amount of time you keep your B&B inside. Most evergreen trees need the moisture levels of the outdoors so don't set it up for more than a few weeks. If the tree is kept inside, keep an eye on moisture levels. Don't ever allow the tree ball to sit in standing water, this will kill the tree quickly.

If you follow some of these basic tips, your tree should last longer than you need it to. Remember to dispose of your tree in the proper place. Many landscape suppliers offer a place to drop your old tree. Follow these basic tips and you won't have any problems this holiday season.