If Christmas is not really Christmas to you unless you have a real Christmas tree to brighten up the living 
room or entry way of your home, then read on for some suggestions about finding the tree that is right for you and your family.
-Before you head out to the tree lot or tree farm, figure out where you wish to place the tree in your home. Do you want it to be seen from all sides or do you plan to put it in a corner or up against a wall where it will be partially obscured? Make sure you choose a spot that is clear of doors and windows and is away from any and all heat sources.
-Get out your tape measure and measure the height and width of the space you have in mind. With measurements in mind, take the tape measure with you to select your tree so you don’t end up buying a tree that is too small for the space, too tall or too bushy.
-Make sure you bring materials with you, such as a cord to tie the tree securely in the trunk of your car or on the roof.
-Choose the freshest Christmas tree you can find. A tree that is fresh will be a healthy looking green and will have very few (if any) needles that have turned brown. When you run your hand over a branch of the tree the needles should bounce back and not fall off. Another thing to try is to take the tree and raise it up a few inches and then drop it on its trunk. You should see very few green needles fall to the ground. It is perfectly normal if a couple of inner brown needles fall off.
-Trees from tree lots often come from other states and therefore can become dry during transport. It also is likely that they have been cut many weeks before they arrived at the lot. Ask the tree lot owner if his trees are delivered only once at the start of the holiday season or if they are delivered a number of times throughout the season. For this reason you are better off buying your Christmas tree early to ensure a healthier tree.
-Check the base of the tree carefully. Do not buy one that is malformed. Look for a straight base that is approximately six to eight inches long so it will fit properly into the stand.
