A. CHOOSING YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

Measure your ceiling height before coming to the tree lot. This will tell you the tallest tree you can possibly accommodate. You usually need a tree that is at least one foot shorter than your ceiling.

Make sure that the tree lot is well lit with trees displayed and stockpiled in the shade. Do a freshness test on the tree. The limbs should bounce back after being bent. If the limb breaks, the tree is dry and there is nothing you can do to bring the moisture back to it. Look for other indications of deterioration: excessive needle loss, discolored foliage, musty odor, wrinkled bark.

Make sure the “handle” (the first eight inches of the butt) of the tree is straight. Make sure that removing any limbs attached to the “handle” will not hurt the tree shape. Check tree for insects and egg masses before bringing the tree inside.