Four out of five homes in America will put up a Christmas tree this year and 20% of these homes will use a natural tree.

To find a fresh tree in the tree lot, grasp a branch near the trunk and run your hand back towards the tip of the branch. Shake the tree or pound its trunk to the ground a couple times. Avoid trees that drop needles.  

Now that you found a fresh tree, protect it for the way home. Wrap the tree securely in a tarp to prevent the needles from drying in the wind.

Once you get the tree home, recut the trunk an inch or more up from the original cut and put into water immediately. Set the tree in a cool place away from heating vents.

Check the water level in the tree stand every day. You do not need to add preservatives to the water.

Source: American Christmas Tree Association. 2014. Most American households will celebrate Christmas with a Christmas tree. Accessed November 15. W. Hollywood, CA.

Written by Tom Kalb, Extension Horticulturist, North Dakota State University. Published in the NDSU Yard & Garden Report, November 15, 2014. The photo was made available under a Creative Commons license specified by the photographer: David Telford.