Picking your Christmas tree

Whether you go with an artificial or a real tree this Christmas, there are some things to keep in mind.

Artificial

The quality of a fake tree is based on the number of tree tips — the more tips, the fuller the tree.
For a tree stand, go for metal legs with rubber feet to prevent scratches on the floor.
A hooked tree is cheaper, but you have to attach the branches one-by-one. Hinged trees have the branches already attached. The trees are usually in pieces that you simply attach together and arrange and fluff the branches as you want.
If you go with a pre-lit artificial tree be careful not to get a tree with too many lights, which could be an attempt to hide poor construction. On the other end, manufacturers may install too few lights as a cost-saving measure. Also, make sure the lights are UL-approved and have standard features like anti-twist bulbs as well as a feature where if a bulb blows, the rest remain lit.

Real

If you go to a retail lot for a real tree that’s already cut, do a freshness test — green needles on fresh trees break crisply when bent sharply. However, the needles on fresh pines, as opposed to firs, do not break unless they are very dry.
Other indicators of a tree that’s too dry include excessive needle loss, discolored foliage, musty odor, needle pliability and wrinkled bark.
Do your research. Some species last longer and remain fresher in certain climates. And some have more open foliage, stiffer branches and longer needles — all of which could come into play depending on how you want to decorate your tree.
Heading out to a tree farm? Saws are usually provided, but it wouldn’t hurt to call ahead and make sure.
Know your ceiling height and the width of the area where the tree will be displayed. Trees are usually cut to an 80-percent taper being wider at the bottom. So, a 10-foot tree will be 8-feet wide at the bottom. Trees will look smaller in a field with no ceiling above them. Be careful not to overbuy.