Christmas Tree Care

When to buy your Christmas tree?

Wait until two weeks before Christmas to get the tree (if you possibly can).

Choosing Your Tree & What to Look Out For

• Check it out: The tree shouldn't look wilted or have brown needles.

• Bend the needles: If the tree is fresh, the needles will bend instead of breaking.

• Shake the tree: It's natural for some needles to fall, but not too many.

• Measure: Get a tree that's at least a food shorter than the ceiling that will eventually be above it. Remember that the stand will add height. And since you pay by the foot, you don't want to trim that extra off at home.

• Examine the trunk: The trunk should be straight so that it will fit in the stand.

• Also the diameter of the trunk should fit easily in the tree stand. If you have to whittle away bark to make it fit the tree is just going to dry out even sooner.

Tips to keep your Cristmas Tree Fresh

Once you've selected your tree, ask one inch to be cutoff the base of the tree. A fresh cut enables the tree to take up water. As soon as you get home, place the tree in a pail of water because the sap will seal the pores again in 4 to 6 hours. If you aren't going to put the tree up right away, put it in a cool place that's protected from sun and wind. Just before you put the tree in the stand, cut another half inch off the trunk.

Here's how to care for your tree to keep it from drying out:

• Location, location, location: Place the tree in a location that's away from all heat sources and sun.

• Protection: Put plastic sheeting under the stand to protect the floor in case of spillage.

• Hydration: Place the tree in a stand that holds at least a gallon of water and fill it with warm water.

• Vigilance: Check the water supply a couple of time a day - especially in the beginning when the tree can absorb a gallon a day.

• Caution: If you let the water level drop below the cut, sap will form and you'll have to remove the tree and make a fresh cut.