1. Frasier Fir, Scotch Pine and White Pine hold their needles the best.

2. Check your tree for freshness before buying. Take a few needles and place between your thumb and forefinger. Squeeze the needles and they should bend, not break.

3. Have the tree lot put a fresh cut in the base of your tree and place the tree in a bucket of water with-in an hour and lean it against your house on the north and shady side.

4. When bringing your tree indoors for decorating, place your tree in a water-holding tree stand that holds at least 1 gallon of water. Check it daily and refill as necessary.

5. When it’s time to take down the tree, you might consider leaving the tree out in the yard for the balance of winter. It makes a wonderful shelter for the birds.

We congratulate you on your decision to buy a live Christmas Tree!

To help this holiday tree become a permanent addition to your homes landscape beauty, here are a few hints from Bloomingarden for its indoor care and outdoor planting.

It is best to temper your tree before bringing it indoors. Place it in an unheated garage for 1 - 2 days, then bring it into the house. It is a good idea to spray your tree with an anti-desiccant, which will reduce moisture loss during the period your tree spends indoors.

Place your tree in the coolest part of the room, away from radiators and heat vents. A galvanized wash tub filled with shredded paper or mulch serves as an excellent container for your tree. Protect your floor or carpet with a sheet of plastic under the tub.

Water your tree every other day with at least one quart of water each time. Try to minimize the length of time your tree lights are turned on. Miniature lights are best. Your tree may drop some needles, which is normal, and does no harm. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR TREE IN THE HOUSE LONGER THAN 7 TO 10 DAYS.

It is best to cover the area where you will be planting your tree with leaves or mulch to help prevent the ground from freezing.

Once again, temper your tree before you bring it outdoors by placing it in an unheated garage for 1 - 2 days.

Dig your planting hole at least 12" wider than your tree's root ball, and 2" - 3" LESS THAN its height. When your tree is placed in the hole, 2" - 3" of the root ball will sit above the ground level. Using the original soil, make a mix of 2/3 soil and 1/3 peat moss. Fill around the root ball, firming the soil lightly. Water thoroughly. Place a 2" - 3" layer of mulch over the ball to help insulate and retain moisture over the winter. Water your new tree once or twice during the winter.

Now, your holiday tree is ready to become a part of your home's landscaped beauty.