----- Original Message ----- From: "Spring" <[email protected] Selecting a Holiday Tree Follow these points to choose the freshest precut tree: Purchase the tree early so that it can go in water closer to the time when it was cut. Consider that locally grown trees are usually fresher than trees that have been shipped from a distance. They are also generally less expensive. Select a tree that is at least one foot shorter than the ceiling height in the room where you will display your tree. Make sure the base of the trunk is straight and 6 to 8 inches long to allow placement in the tree stand. Look for a tree with a healthy, green appearance and few dead or browning needles. Avoid trees with a wilted look. Run your hand along a branch. Needles should be fresh and flexible and should not come off in your hand. Bump the trunk of the tree on the ground. If green needles fall off the tree, it is not fresh. You can expect a few brown needles to fall from the tree. Choose another tree if many brown needles fall off. Common types of cut holiday trees: Douglas Fir Description: Soft dark green or blue-green needles. Light in weight with firm branches. Scent: Sweet, citrus fragrance. Needle Retention: Excellent if fresh. Eastern Red Cedar Description: Dense, finely textured, dark green foliage. Foliage is sometimes prickly. Will not support heavy ornaments. Scent: Very strongly aromatic. Needle Retention: Dries quickly; make sure that the tree has a constant supply of water. Eastern White Pine Description: Usually very full and dense with long, soft blue-green needles. Branches will not support very heavy ornaments. Scent: Pine fragrance, but less intense than other pines. Needle Retention: Excellent, however, trees will wilt visibly if not given adequate water. Fraser Fir Description: Short, firm dark green needles with white bands on the undersides. Sturdy limbs. Scent: Exceptional and long lasting aroma. Needle Retention: Excellent. Avoid trees with split trunks. Trees with splits will dry rapidly. Leyland Cypress Description: Dense, soft-textured dark green to grayish-blue foliage. Limbs will not support heavy ornaments unless heavily sheared. Scent: Little scent. Needle Retention: Excellent. Uses large quantities of water. Must water several times per day to prevent drying. Norway Spruce Description: Stiff, sharp, dark green needles on strong branches. Scent: Light balsam-like aroma. Needle Retention: Poor. Scotch Pine Description: Dark to bluish-green, fairly sharp, short needles. Stiff branches will support heavy ornaments. Scent: Pleasant pine fragrance Needle Retention: Excellent. Virginia Pine Description: Dense, short-needled, artistically spiralled foliage. Strong limbs support heavy ornaments. Scent: Pleasant pine fragrance Needle Retention: Excellent.