IF YOUR FAMILY IS HEADED OUT THIS WEEKEND TO PICK OUT A CHRISTMAS TREE, YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER A FEW OF THESE TIPS. 

ONE THING PEOPLE OFTEN FORGET TO DO IS MEASURE THE SPACE WHERE THEY WANT TO PUT THE TREE, AND IT ENDS UP BEING TOO BIG SAYS UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR RICHARD HENTSCHEL. HE SUGGESTS BRINGING A TAPE MEASURE WHEN YOU HEAD OUT TO THE TREE LOT OR FARM TO MAKE SURE IT WILL FIT. AS FAR AS THE TYPE OF TREE, THAT’S A PERSONAL CHOICE.

HENTSCHEL SAYS YOU NEED TO KEEP THAT WATER FILLED AT ALL TIMES. NO SPECIAL ADDITIVES LIKE SUGAR OR ASPIRIN ARE NEEDED.

HENTSCHEL SAYS ONCE YOU GET THE TREE HOME, MAKE A FRESH CUT RIGHT BEFORE PUTTING IT IN THE STAND.