Selecting the freshest Christ-mas tree on the lot means nothing if you don't provide the proper care once you get the tree home. A fresh tree will have pliable needles, a fresh evergreen aroma, a typical green color and firm needle retention. these characteristics should be used when selecting a tree. Start by selecting a tree appropriate for the room. Most trees look smaller on a lot than they do indoors. Part of the reason is the fact there's no ceiling to establish a firm height. Additionally most trees are raised several inches to a foot when placed in a tree stand. Don't forget to include the final height of the tree topper whether it's an angel, star or ornament. Know beforehand how tall the tree can be. Stick with the final height. Removing some of the lower branches can destroy the shape of the tree. Buy early. Most corner tree lots receive only one shipment of Christ-mas trees. Trees don't become fresher sitting in a lot until the middle of December. Trees start drying out if not placed in a bucket or container of water. The sun and wind will dry needles, lowing the tree's freshness. Even though you don't plan on putting you tree up right away, you can still purchase it early and provide the proper care. Store the tree out of the wind and freezing temperatures. Make a fresh cut on the butt end of at least one inch. Place the tree in a 5 gallon bucket of warm water. An unheated garage or cool basement is a good location to store the tree temporarily. The cooler the temperatures, as long as it's above freezing, the better. Christ-mas trees can remain several weeks indoors. When you're ready to put the tree up, remove another inch of stump. A flat cut is best; there are no advantages to an angled cut. A second cut is not necessary if the tree is not to be stored for longer than three days. Immediately place the tree into a stand that holds at least a half-gallon of water. A fresh tree has the ability to soak up a gallon of water per day initially. Keep the water level well above the base of the cut at all times. Having a child responsible for checking and maintaining the water level daily provides them the opportunity to contribute to the holiday decorating. If the cut end dries out due to a lack of water, the sap will harden in the butt end. Water won't be able to be absorbed into the tree. Ideally, another inch needs to be removed from the butt end. No water additives such as aspirin, sugar or flame retardants are necessary. Research has shown that plain water keeps trees as fresh as anything. A picture window or patio door may seem like the ideal location for a tree. It is, provided the door or window doesn't face south or west. Southern and western views may expose the tree to unnecessary sun and heat. Setting the tree a couple feet back lessens potential problems. Trees should also be place away from hot air registers, space heaters and fireplaces to minimize fire hazards as well as rapid tree drying. Use only UL-approved Christ-mas lights on a tree. A fresh tree will continue to use water, but at a reduced rate throughout the holiday season. Fresh trees are not a fire hazards. Most won't burn. If the tree has been allowed to dry out, however, fire is a real hazard. If you have made a fresh cut on the base but the tree no longer absorbs water, it has lost moisture below the critical level and will never regain its freshness. A tree in this condition will burn and should be removed from the house. 700