Choosing a Holiday Tree

Consider these factors when choosing where to display your cut tree:

• Choose an area away from heat sources; fireplaces, air ducts, radiators and even television sets speed up the drying of a tree.
  
• Measure the area to determine what size tree to cut down at the tree farm. Keep in mind the size of the stand and any treetop decoration you have.
  
• Be sure the tree won't block pathways or doorways. Also make sure there's access to electricity nearby.

For a live tree, height isn't much of an issue because it needs to be less than five feet tall to be healthy enough for transplanting. Since it's a living tree, it will need exposure to sunlight while it lives indoors. In preparation for planting the tree outside, follow these guidelines:

• Choose an area that receives full sun, has good soil drainage and has enough space for the tree to grow to mature size.
  
• Dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the container and deep enough to set the tree into the ground at the same level it was in the container.
  
• In Zones 6 and warmer, where the ground isn't frozen, dig the hole when you're ready to plant the tree.
  
• In Zones 5 and colder, it's a good idea to have the hole pre-dug in mid fall. Fill it with peat moss and cover with a board until you're ready to plant the tree.
  
• If you live in Zones 2 to 5 and haven't already dug a hole, you can store the tree inside and keep it healthy until the ground thaws.

Once you've decided where your tree will go, it's time to head to the tree farm. Holiday trees are grown on more than one million acres of land in the U.S., so there's a chance that a tree farm is near your home. Tree farms offer three choices--an already cut tree, a cut-your-own tree and a live tree in a container for later planting.

Already cut trees are certainly convenient, but are often cut weeks and even months ahead of time. No matter where you buy a cut tree--even at a tree farm--check to be sure that you are getting a good tree.

• Watch for trees that have been dyed green. You can tell by looking at the trunk and needles; if the tree has been dyed, the trunk and the needles have the same flat, even color.
  
• Determine that the needles are fresh by grasping a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pulling along the branch toward you. Very few, if any, needles should come off if the tree is fresh. Pines stay fresh the longest.
  
• Bump the tree on the ground to see if any green needles fall off. If they do, the tree is not fresh. It's okay if brown needles fall off.

• Shake the tree lightly to see if any green needles drop.
  
• Bend a needle: flexible needles are moist and healthy. Brittle needles signal an unhealthy tree. However, if the temperatures are below zero degrees F, even a healthy tree's needles are brittle.
  
• Smell the tree: a healthy tree has a pungent fragrance.
  
• Be sure the trunk is straight--it will help keep the tree upright in the stand.

As you look at your options, keep in mind the dimensions of the area in your home. Measure the tree to make sure it's the height you need. It's easy to be romanced into cutting down too big of a tree.

Once you've chosen your tree, you can have the tree farm cut it for you, or you can do it yourself. If the tree isn't too big, you might be able to do it alone, but it's better to have an extra pair of hands. The tree farm often supplies a saw.

• Avoid a tree with a frozen root ball. It will thaw when brought inside and then re-freeze outside, damaging the roots.
  
• Choose a tree less than five feet tall. It will have less difficulty being transplanted in the ground later.
  
• Consider the size of the tree at maturity and the amount of space in your landscape.
  
• Check for a single, straight trunk and well-colored, fresh needles.

To get a tree home safely, wrap an old blanket or some burlap around the cut tree and tie it with twine. Put the tree on the roof of your car and secure it, through the windows, with strong rope. You can set a container tree in the car, leaning it against something so it won't bounce or roll around during transport. It's also a good idea to put a blanket down in your car first to protect its interior. Before you drive home, be sure there are no branches obstructing your view.