Some pointers on buying fresh Christmas trees

Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United States since about 1850.

Interestingly, in recent years, more than 300,000 trees have been sold via Internet or mail order catalogs, but the traditional sites are still plentiful.

The best way to know a tree is truly "fresh" is to buy it directly from a local "cut-your-own" farm or watch it be cut down. However, trees on sales lots can be tested for freshness and also can provide a good tree throughout the holiday season.

Especially when cutting your own tree, it is a good idea to call ahead to check on tree availability, since some farms may sell out of some types of stock quickly. Ask about the variety and size of the trees available. Some specialize in large trees, unique varieties, or other characteristics. Some do not have tall trees, which some homeowners want for cathedral ceiling rooms.

Farms also vary as to the availability of other holiday decorations, such as boughs, wreaths, pinecones and other items. They also vary as to the services they offer customers in preparing the tree for transporting and some possibly even offer delivery. Ask if they cut the tree or if you have to provide any tools or labor. Also, some have activities available to make it more than just a tree-purchasing experience. Asking questions on the phone can save some time and frustration before going on the tree-hunting trip.

If cutting your own tree, remember to do some measuring at home first. Trees in the field look smaller than they are in reality or will appear to be in the house. Don't forget to measure for width and circumference, as well as height.

Regardless of how fresh the tree is when it is purchased, care needs to be taken on the trip home and once the tree is in the house to maintain that freshness. The tree should be carried inside the vehicle or wrapped or covered on the way home. Wind can rapidly desiccate the needles. Be sure to take along a tarp, old blankets or other material to cover the tree. Take plenty of rope in case the seller does not provide it. Take along a tree saw or other cutting tool in case it is needed, too.

For fresh cut trees, once in the house, maintain water levels in the stand above the bottom of the trunk to avoid it from sealing over and restricting water uptake. Also, keeping the house cool and using a humidifier will help keep the tree fresher longer. In the first week in the house, a fresh tree can take up to a quart of water a day at the minimum.

For further information, visit www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/trees/ which has lists of tree farms and highlights types of trees, their care, other holiday plants and related topics, such as history of Christmas trees, educational activities and other information.