Selecting Your Tree
Choosing a real Christmas tree is a fun outing for the whole family. In fact, for some, the holiday season doesn't begin until they've selected their tree. Here are some tips on selecting a tree that will be fragrant and last through the holiday period.
| 1. | Don't buy a tree larger than the available space. Measure before you go tree shopping and allow for at least 1 foot between ceiling and the top of the tree. Also keep in mind that the stand can add 4-6 inches to the height. |
| 2. | Go to a retail lot that is well lit and stores trees in a shaded area. |
| 3. | Always check for freshness. Gently grasp a limb in your fingers and pull to you going with the direction of the needles. The needles should be brightly colored, give off a good scent and lose only a few of the needles. Bend some branches to check for pliability. You should also shake or bounce the tree on its stump a couple of times. |
| 4. | Pine trees have different indicators due to the fibrous nature of their needles compared to firs. The needles on fresh pines do NOT break, unless they are very dry. Indicators of dryness or deterioration are: excessive needle loss, discolored foliage, musty odor, needle pliability, and wrinkled bark. |
| 5. | Involve the entire family in the selecting of the tree and plan fun things for everyone to do during the trip. |
| 6. | Don't spend any more than you can afford. Trees come in all sizes and price ranges. |
| 7. | To get the best quality buy early and store in a cool place in a bucket of water. |
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