The cut Christmas trees have landed and almost too fresh this year. A trees weight is the secret to finding the absolute freshest tree on the lot. The weight comes from the water content of the tree. The bigger the trunk, the older the tree so the more water holding capacity. A truly fresh tree should be so heavy it is difficult to lift and maneuver. This is the entire reason I invested in a fancy tree wrapping machine that bundles even huge trees so customer can tie trees on top of SUV’s and get them easily into the living room.

The economy is affecting the size of Christmas tree crops. Some of the trees in the fields were never cut last year, because consumer bought less. That means trees where trimmed, shaped and held until this year. Trees are nicer than ever, and on the generous side of tall for the same price as years gone buy. $30 can buy a really, really nice tree and a super deal for consumers for really fresh trees. To deal with just one tree and getting it home for the holidays is no big deal; even a 12 foot tree can be manipulated into the right holiday placement. My back is feeling it though! When you own the largest Christmas tree lot in town and hundreds and hundreds of trees are unloaded all at once, my back is feeling the pain this week.

Before we get into the tips for choosing the freshest tree let me mention this weeks features plant of the week and the Nordman Fir. You'll find this majestic evergreen as a cut Christmas tree or as a spectacular living tree to be planted. Not all cut trees are created equal. Seven different cut tree varieties are available this year, but this fir is related to our native Arizona fir . . . only nicer. Nordman's stay fresh right through the season. Soft green needles adorn dark green branched that defy gravity even with heavy ornaments. If you are planning early Christmas parties definitely choose this rich specimen. Cut varieties are just $54, but a living tree version can be planted in the yard for landscaping decoration as well.

Three factors play important roles in how long a tree will last are the moisture in the tree itself, placement of the tree in your home, and the weather. If a couple of good moist storms roll through the area while the tree is set up, the extra moisture keeps the trees from drying out too quickly. Of course, there’s nothing we can do about the weather, but we can affect the other two factors that will extend the enjoyment of our Christmas trees. These tips also apply to fresh garlands and wreaths which also arrived this week.

Tip 1: A needle from a fresh tree should bend rather than break, have a strong fragrance, and good color. To test the tree of your choice simply grasp a needle between your thumb and forefinger and bend it.

Tip 2: A fresh tree should have good weight, an indication that the tree has plenty of moisture left in the trunk and limbs. The larger the trunk, the more moisture the tree can hold; just make sure the trunk isn’t too large for your tree stand. This might be the year to upgrade your stand.

Tip 3: If you are not ready to decorate the tree right away, keep it outdoors in a cool spot, protected from the drying effects of the sun and wind. Make a fresh cut across the base of the trunk and immediately place it in a large container of lukewarm water. If the water level is allowed to drop below the cut a seal will form reducing water uptake, so check the water level often.

Tip 4: Add liquid ‘tree preservative’ to the stands water basin. It keeps the tree pores open and allows water uptake deeper into the tree. Stay away from adding sugar or sodas to the water; they simply clog the trees system and reduce water absorption. Trees can drink over a pint of water each day, so check the water level daily and supply fresh warm water as needed. All the more reason for a tree stand that holds a gallon of water or more. Again, this may be the season to upgrade your stand. A good stand should easily hold a tree straight up without special tie downs an hold 1 ½ gallons of water.

Tip 5: Place the tree away from South-facing windows, close or remove heat sources blowing directly onto the tree, and keep it away from a fireplace or stove. All of these sources of warmth will zap moisture from the tree in a matter of days.

Tip 6: ‘Wilt Stop’ guarantees a tree will last through the New Year. This clear spray coats the needles with a festive sheen that prevents the tree from perspiring so trees stay fresh. If you have worried about fire danger in the past I highly recommend this added step. Personally, I put up a Noble fir and wouldn’t dare dress my tree without first spraying with Wilt Stop. It provides me with peace of mind and reduces needle cleanup later on.

Bonus Tip: When setting up your tree, use the largest ‘Christmas tree bag’ you can find. This gigantic white trash bag is placed on the floor and used as a tree skirt through the season. When the tree is to exit the house the huge plastic bag swallow the tree and keep needles out of you home. On the top of my list of terribly dirty jobs is vacuuming tree needles out of the carpet. For a couple of dollars this big headache is taking care of and worth every penny.

Ask for my free Christmas tree guide “Keep Christmas Trees Fresh”, or the companion freebie “Using Living Trees @ Christmas”.

Until next week, I’ll see you amongst the Christmas trees.