There is nothing quite like a live Christmas tree to bring in the holiday spirit. Their beauty and fragrance will last throughout the holiday season by following a few simple steps. Buy The Best The type of Christmas tree you buy will determine how long it will stay fresh and how fragrant the tree will be. The Leyland Cypress and Pine will stay fresh the longest. Trees with a shorter period of freshness are the Cedars and Arizona Cypress. As you stroll through the Christmas tree selections, you have two options: A precut tree or field-grown tree. Precut Christmas Trees Precut trees should be analyzed for freshness before you buy. Find out how long the tree has been cut. A Christmas tree that has dropped below a 75 percent foliar moisture content will continue to dry out, even when placed in water.

The Freshness Test:

1. Take a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pull toward you. If the tree is fresh, very few needles will come off.

2. Bend a few needles. If the needles spring back, the tree is fresh.

3. Bump the trunk of the tree on the ground. The tree is not fresh if green needles fall off. A few brown needles will fall, but if you see a lot, this is an indication that the tree is not fresh. Choose another tree. Field-Grown Christmas Trees A field-grown Christmas tree will be fresh and full of water. Shake the tree gently to make sure green needles do not fall off. Break a few needles for a fragrance check. Preparing Your Tree You have purchased your tree and are ready to take it home. If your tree has been cut for more than one hour, cut at least one inch off the trunk. Immediately place your tree in water. Never expose your tree to freezing temperatures and keep your tree in plenty of water at all times. A freshly cut tree may use more than a gallon of water per day.

Bringing Your Tree Indoors

Make sure your Christmas tree lasts throughout the season.

1. Place your tree in a stable container that holds a minimum of one gallon of water. Keep the trunk base immersed in water at all times. Check the water level at least twice a day.

2. Never expose your Christmas tree to heat sources that will cause your tree to dry out. Keep your tree away from hot air ducts, radiators, fireplaces, television sets and other heat sources. A dry tree becomes a fire hazard.

Going Out In Style

When Christmas has come to an end you have to decide what to do with your tree. Do not toss it to the side of the road just yet. You can recycle your tree and enjoy it a little longer.

1. Place it outside near a bird feeder. The birds will enjoy a safe haven from the winter winds. You can attach several treats for your birds by placing seed cakes, fresh sliced fruit, suet bags, etc. within the tree. Secure your tree so that the wind will not knock it over.

2. Cut the limbs off and use them as mulch around your perennials and small shrubs. 3. Prepare yourself some potpourri. Crumble dry needles and combine them with cinnamon sticks or whole cloves for an extended holiday treat. Choose your tree carefully and keep it healthy throughout the holiday season. A beautiful fragrant fresh Christmas tree will add endless hours of enjoyment to your home.