O Tannenbaum: Tips on choosing, caring for your Christmas tree

One of the classic traditions of Christmas is choosing and decorating the perfect tree.

Whether you chop it down yourself or pick it out of a lot, a real tree is sure to make your Christmas a little more special.

For Ben Czarnowski, owner of Ben's Tree Farm in Harvard, the best part of a real tree isn't just the heavenly scent.

"It's a remembrance of times past, and the gathering of family around the tree," said Czarnowski. "It's the tradition of it all."

But before you run out to the nearest tree farm, saw in hand, there are a couple things to keep in mind when choosing your tree.

First, make sure it's not too dry and has a nice uniform shape and size, said Kurt Straub, owner of Honeybee Acres Christmas Tree Farm in Elgin.

"Don't get carried away with size," said Straub. "Some people buy a tree then come back the next year and say the tree was too big. If you have an eight-foot ceiling, don't get an eight-foot tree."

A good measurement of tree height is to compare it to your own height, according to Czarnowski.

Czarnowski also recommends figuring out the type of tree you want. Height, color, and the needle length and longevity of each tree type are all factors that can help determine your choice.

The next step is to get your tree home safely. This means loading it into or onto your car. If it's going on the roof, make sure to tie it securely, and if possible, cover it with a blanket.

"It's better to put it in the trunk," said Straub. "It blocks the wind so the tree doesn't freeze."

Once the tree is home, both recommend putting it in the garage and giving it a chance to adapt to the warmer temperature of the house. Once you are ready to put the tree up, be sure to cut a 1/4 to 1/2 inch of trunk off the bottom to let water in by getting rid of the layer of sap covering the base.

"It's easier for the tree to draw water when it's cut," said Czarnowski.

Straub also brings up the importance of the tree getting enough of the right hydration.

"Just use water, no chemicals," said Straub. "And get a stand that holds enough water for the size of the tree."

The tree will take about a gallon of water for the first day or so, and after that its intake will slow down, although it should still be carefully monitored.

Both Honeybee Acres and Ben's Tree Farm reported good growing seasons; they see the economy as the only possible issue with sales this year.

Straub lowered prices to help out his customers, and he is hopeful that they will continue to enjoy their yearly experiences with his farm.

"We have people who come out here year after year and we see these kids grow up," said Straub. "They started their first year here and now they're in college and they're not coming anymore, but their families come back."

Czarnowski also finds the experience as a special family occasion, and he is depending on tradition to help pull people past money issues.

"We have something that's close to the heart of most people," said Czarnowski. "It's one of the great family things to do."

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