A HORTICULTURIST AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION HAS SOME TIPS FOR PICKING OUT AND CARING FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE. 

YOU’RE LOOKING FOR THE FRESHEST TREE POSSIBLE SAYS THE EXTENSION’S RICHARD HENTSCHEL. CUTTING YOUR OWN TREE IS ALWAYS FUN BUT THOSE SOLD IN A LOT ARE ALSO A GOOD OPTION. IF YOU’RE BUYING A TREE THAT’S ALREADY BEEN CUT, IT’S HELPFUL TO GIVE IT A SHAKE.

THE EXTENSION’S RICHARD HENTSCHEL SAYS CUTTING YOUR OWN TREE ENSURES IT’S FRESH, ESPECIALLY SINCE IT’S BEEN SUCH A COOL, DAMP FALL. FOR PRECUT TREES: GIVING IT A GOOD SHAKE TO SEE HOW MANY NEEDLES FALL OFF IS A HELPFUL INDICATOR. WHEN YOU GET HOME:

MANY LOTS WILL MAKE A FRESH CUT AT THE BASE FOR YOU, OR YOU CAN DO THAT AT HOME. HENTSCHEL SAYS IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO PUT THE TREE IN A BUCKET OF ROOM TEMPERATURE WATER FOR A FEW HOURS BEFORE YOU BRING IT INDOORS TO GIVE IT A BIG DRINK. TREES WILL NEED CONSTANT WATERING ESPECIALLY AT FIRST TO ENSURE THEY LAST THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS.