Christmas Tree Do's and Don'ts

These pro tips will help you get the most out of this classic holiday fixture

- KARUNA EBERL

Keeping a Christmas tree vibrant isn't much different than caring for a bouquet of flowers—just water it well. But besides water, here is some expert advice to try (and some things to skip) to keep your conifer looking fresh and festive for as long as possible.

Plan Properly

Pick a tree that's at least 6 inches shorter than your ceiling. Trees from choose-and-cut farms will last longer than ones from precut lots. Either way, try to look for green, flexible needles.

“Also gently shake the tree,” says Dan Herms, horticulturist and vice president of research and development at the Davey Tree Expert Co. “If a lot of green needles fall off, pass.”

If you want a tree that lasts, Dan recommends balsam and Fraser firs. Avoid Scotch pines and blue spruce, which tend to drop needles more quickly.

Prepare and Place