1. If you know your tree is going to sit in a corner, then you might save some money by being able to buy a tree with one bad side. Be sure you know how high your ceiling is so you don’t buy a tree to tall for your space.
2. How do you know if the tree is acceptably fresh? The needles should still ber resilient. Some folks lift the tree a couple of inches off the ground, and then thump it down on the stump end. If needles fall off, they continue their search. This is not really accurate since the inside needles of most species of Christmas trees naturally are shed each year. It is the outside needles you don’t want to fall off if you thump the tree. Another test is to take hold of a branch about six inches from the tip, between thumb and forefinger. Pull you hand toward you allowing the branch to slip through your fingers. Needles should adhere to the branch and not fall off in your hand.
3. A fresh tree still has good green color and still retains its fragrance.
Selecting A Tree From Cut-Your-Own Operation
The most common mistake people make when cutting their own tree is to misjudge the height of tree that will fit into their home. When you are outside, you lose perspective and tend to cut a tree that quite a bit bigger than you have room for when you get the tree home. So measure your room’s ceiling height and take a tape measure with you.
