Although many of us have opted for artificial Christmas trees, for many families, going out and choosing a Christmas tree is an annual tradition. And bringing the tree home and decorating it signals the official start to the holiday season. Proper selection and care of your Christmas tree will help ensure that it lasts through the holiday season.

A cut Christmas tree should last the entire holiday season without becoming too dry or dropping its needles, provided it is purchased fresh and given the proper care. Here are some tips to tell if a pre-cut tree is fresh. Your tree should have a healthy, green appearance without a large number of dead or browning needles, and the needles should be fresh and flexible. They should not come off in your hand if you gently stroke a branch. One useful trick to help you tell if the tree is fresh is to lift it a couple of inches off the ground and let it drop on the cut end. A few dried, inner needles may fall off, but the outer, green needles should not. Also, make sure the base of your tree is straight and 6 to 8 inches long so it will fit easily into the stand. To keep your tree from drying out on the trip home, cover it with a tarp or plastic.

Once you get home, make a fresh cut across the bottom of the tree, about one inch above the old base, and place the tree in a bucket of warm water. This removes any clogged wood that may not readily absorb water; the wood near the outer part of the stem is very efficient in conducting water and becomes less so towards the center. You do not need to cut the base of the tree at an angle; simple cut the stem perpendicular to the trunk and you will maximize the area exposed to the water.

Place the Christmas tree in a place where it is away from heat sources such as hot air ducts, wood stoves and fireplaces, because the lower the temperature and the higher the humidity, the longer your tree will last. Depending upon the size, species and location of your tree, it may absorb a gallon of water the first day, so check it frequently and add water as necessary. Commercially prepared mixes, aspirin, sugar and other additives are not necessary; in fact, some additives can cause the tree to shed needles or dry out more rapidly. Research has shown that plain water will keep a tree fresh, and as long as the tree is able to absorb and transpire water, it is reasonably fire-resistant.

Keep your tree watered; the water level in the stand should not go below the cut end of the trunk or a seal of dried sap may form (in as little as four to six hours). This will prevent the tree from absorbing water and it will drop its needles early.  Also, use a tree stand with a large water reservoir that holds a quart of water for every inch of stem diameter. Check the water level at least once or twice daily, especially the first few days.  Remember, your tree may not be the only one drinking as your pets may be helping themselves to the water, too!  Many fresh cut trees, if properly cared for, will last about five weeks before drying out.

After the holidays, consider recycling your tree in a number of ways: 1) they can be chipped and used for mulch or composted; 2) branches can be cut from the tree and used to cover flower beds; 3) Christmas trees are great in your yard as shelter or as a feeder for birds. Secure the tree in a standing position and hang suet or other food from the branches.

Remember, with proper selection and care, you can enjoy your fresh tree throughout the holiday season!

Kautz is a retired Air Force Colonel and Master Gardener.