Use these practical tips to be a more informed consumer and to ensure a great experience with your Real Tree:

1. Be sure you know what size (height and width) you need before heading to the retail lot.
2. If you want the same species you know or have always used, great. If you want to try a different species, browse the NCTA website www.realchristmastrees.org to become familiar with the species popular in your area before heading to the retail lot.
3. Go to a retail lot that is well-lit and stores trees in a shaded area.
4. Often, a tree obtained soon after its arrival on the retail lot will be very fresh because it was cut recently. Consumers should ask the retailer when he/she gets the trees: are they delivered once at the beginning of the season, or does he/she obtain several shipments during the season.
5. Do a freshness test on the trees. Green needles on fresh trees break crisply when bent sharply with the fingers — much like a fresh carrot.
6. Pines have different indicators because of the fibrous nature of their needles compared to firs. The needles on fresh pines do NOT break, unless they are very dry.
7. Look for other indicators of dryness or deterioration: excessive needle loss, discolored foliage, musty odor, needle pliability, and wrinkled bark. A good rule-of-thumb is, when in doubt about the freshness of a tree, select another one. If none of the trees on the lot look fresh, go to another lot.
8. Some species last longer and remain fresh longer than others in different climates. Ask your retailer which tree performs best in your climate.
9. Ask the retailer about recycling Christmas Trees in your community.
10. Involve the whole family in the selecting and plan fun things for everyone to do during the trip.

Source: National Christmas Tree Association and your local Christmas Tree professional. For more information contact: Rick Dungey, 636/449-5071, dungey@realchristmastrees.org