Picking and Preserving The Perfect Tree

Haven't found the perfect Christmas tree yet? Two Cornell University experts recently shared some tips on how to pick and preserve the perfect pine. Brian Eshenaur is a plant pathologist and Elizabeth Lamb has a Ph.D in in plant breeding. Eshenaur says that moderate summer temperatures and regular rainfall helped the trees at tree farms put on a healthy layer of growth, and Lamb adds that the fresher tree the better so shop locally. She adds the branches should be springy  and smell good. A few loose needles aren't a problem but you obviously shouldn't get handfuls when you brush branches.

Here are their tips for selecting and preserving your tree this year...

Firs and pines have the best needle retention and can last for a month or more indoors, but a spruce tree should only be indoors for a week to 10 days.

Trees should smell good. If there isn't much fragrance, it may mean that the tree was cut too long a go.

Look for a tree with a good solid green color. Needle yellowing or a slight brown speckled color could indicate there was a pest problem and could lead to early needle drop.

If possible, make a fresh cut on the bottom so the tree's vascular tissue is not plugged and so it can easily take up water.

Once your tree is in the house, don't locate it next to a radiator or furnace vent, and always remember to keep water in the tree stand topped off so it never goes below the bottom of the trunk.

Your local Cornell Cooperative Extension Office may have a list of local Christmas tree growers and you can also check the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York website.