I ‘m looking forward to selecting my Christmas tree this year. How can I know which tree is best and how do I keep it looking it’s best until Christmas? WB   

Many a Christmas tree shopper has gotten their tree home and realized their living room wasn’t quite as big as they thought it was. So, the first step is to figure out where you are going to place your tree and what size tree will fit in that space. This seems like an obvious suggestion, but you would be surprised.

Next you will need to decide where you are going to source your tree. There are a variety of corner lots around town where you can pick up your traditional Christmas tree. Or, if you want more of an experience that harkens back to days gone by, you can select your tree from one of the area’s Christmas tree farms. You will be able to find one of the local Christmas tree farms with a little bit of research on the internet. There are several within easy driving distance.

Once you decide where you are going to get your tree, your next step will be to decide which type of tree you want. In Oklahoma, we have several native-grown trees that would be appropriate for Christmas trees: Leyland cypress, Virginia pine, Arizona cypress, or white pine. If you are shopping in one of the Christmas tree lots, you should be able to select from Norman fir, Frasier fir, and Noble fir among others. These all have that wonderful evergreen smell and will retain their needles pretty well.

If you decided to select a pre-cut tree, pick one of the freshest you can find. Fresh needles bend easily. When the trees have dried out, their needles will snap. If you are looking at a tree whose needles snap, move to another tree because it probably on look that great by Christmas.

Once you have your tree home, it’s a good idea to saw off about one inch from the bottom of the tree. After doing this, place the tree in a container of water. If it will be a few days before you bring it in to decorate, store it in a cool place like your garage.

When you do bring it inside, be sure you place the tree in a stand that will hold some water. Keeping your tree dry should help minimize any fire hazard with the tree.

Another way to minimize the risk of fire is to locate the tree away from a heat source like a heater vent or especially the fireplace. And make sure your stand is of an appropriate size to keep the tree anchored in place because no one wants their tree to fall over.

Also, to help ensure a safe Christmas, only leave the tree lights on when a responsible person is home and never leave the lights on if you are going to be away from the house. After Christmas, be sure to remove the tree before it gets overly dry. Good luck!

You can get answers to all your gardening questions by calling the Tulsa Master Gardeners Help Line at 918-746-3701, dropping by our Diagnostic Center at 4116 E. 15th Street, or by emailing us at mg@tulsamastergardeners.org.

Photo: Steven Katovich, Bugwood.org