Christmas Tree Guide

Locating the perfect Christmas tree is a trip most of us make every year. But do you really know what to shop for?

Tree-Buying Tips
1. Before you leave home, double check the height of the ceiling of the room where your tree will be decorated. The tree needs to be at least one foot shorter than the ceiling height to account for the star or angel.
2. When selecting a tree, run your fingers along the needles and give the tree a shake. If the tree is fresh, the needles should bend and not break. Of course, if you are going to cut it down in one of your area Christmas tree farms, it will definitely be fresh!
3. Make sure the base of the tree is straight and at least six inches long, so it will fit easily into the tree stand.

Keeping Trees Fresh
1. When you buy your tree, have an inch cut off the base to make it easier for the tree to take in water. A fresh cut is important.
2. If you don't plan to put the tree up right away, place it in a bucket of warm water and stand it in an unheated garage or porch away from the wind and cold.
3. Make sure that the stand you plan to use holds a minimum of one gallon of water.
4. Keep your tree well-watered. Water prevents the needles from drying and dropping off and maintains the fragrance. Trees may drink several quarts a day, so plan tothe water level in the stand every few hours.
5. Never let the water level fall below the base of the tree or the cut end may seal over, preventing further water intake.
6. Don't add anything to the water. Though some people swear that throwing in such extras as aspirin, soda water, bleach, salt, sugar, or Karo syrup keeps trees fresher longer, the experts say plain water, and plenty of it, is best.

Safety Rules
Keep your home safe from Christmas-tree hazards by follwing these important tips from the National Safe Kids Campaign:
1. Never place your tree near a heat source, such as a fireplace or portable heater.
2. Trim the lower branches to avoid eye injuries to small children.
3. Hang all ornaments that are breakable, have small, detachable parts or metal hooks, or that look like food or candy on higher branches where small children can't reach them.
4. Use a wide-based stand to make sure the tree is secure and will not fall over.
5. Avoid using artificial snow sprays, which can cause lung irritation if inhaled.
6. Use only UL-approved electrical decorations and extension cords, and check that no cords have frayed since you last used the lights. Turn off tree lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
7. Never burn Christmas-tree branches in your fireplace.

Taking Trees Down

The best way to avoid a major mess is to prepare to take your tree down before you even put it up. Place a plastic tree bag (available where you purchase your tree) underneath the stand, which you can hide with a tree skirt. Then, when the holidays are done, pull the bag up around the tree, stand and all, and carry it outside. Remove the stand before recycling the tree. If some needles do scatter inside, sweep them up; needles can clog vacuum cleaners.