Before leaving home, choose the area where the tree is going. Select an area away from radiators, wood stoves, or heat vents, and close to one or more electrical outlets. Measure the area for maximum height and width. Take a yard stick or tape measure as well as the tree stand.

Select a tree as soon as possible after they arrive on the lot. Most lots are fully exposed to drying sunlight and wind. Even the freshest of trees will quickly dry out. Cut trees found on local lots can be from one day to one month cut from the stump. Trees within a load can also vary in freshness. Check your chosen tree for freshness by first bending individual needles. Fresh needles will bend, not break, if bent gently. Next, lift the tree several inches off the ground and bring it down sharply on the stump end. Dry needles will fall off in substantial numbers. Also check for fresh resin on the butt cut. Remember to check the size against your measurements and check for proper fit in your tree stand. Don't forget to allow enough handle or base to trim off an inch or so.

After you have arranged financing and load the tree, take it straight home. Driving around or sitting in a closed vehicle will rapidly dry out the tree. Some lots have tree bags or a protective spray to reduce drying during the trip home.

At home, cut an inch off the base to expose a fresh, resin-free surface for unobstructed water absorption. If possible, cut the base and attach the tree to its stand underwater. Water in the vessels of the tree will snap back into the tree when cut in air. This will somewhat reduce the rate at which the tree will absorb water, but not enough to make the tree a hazard.

If the tree is to be stored outdoors for a day or more, it should be sprinkled daily and kept in a cool, shady place. Water levels in many small stands need to be checked twice a day under warm conditions.

Additives used to prolong tree life are basically sugar. While these solutions can help the tree, they are not necessary.

If you want a live tree with roots still attached, choose a tree such as white pine, Leland cypress or Norway spruce that at least has a half a chance of surviving if planted. Keep the root ball damp, but not soaked. Care must be taken to use low heat producing lights. Live trees should only be inside a heated house for a week to ten days. The move into and out of the house may require a week or two in an area such as an unheated garage or tool shed to adapt to extreme temperature differences.

Many choose-and-cut lots are now available within a short drive of most towns. Trees from such lots are always fresh and generally cheaper than other lots. Some offer reservation plans for those wanting to choose early and set up close to Christmas.

Revised 2/16/2006.