There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh Christmas trees around the holidays. Many of us shy away from real Christmas trees because the ones out of the box may seem so much easier, but with just a little bit of attention you can maintain a live Christmas tree for weeks on end. The key is to select a healthy tree from the get-go, give it plenty of water, and display it safely. Much of the life of your Christmas tree depends on the freshness and health of the tree before you take it home. Some of us are lucky enough to live near a tree farm that offers the opportunity to cut a fresh tree yourself.

There are Christmas farms where, when you say the word, a seasoned expert will select and cut a perfect tree for you and ship it directly to your doorstep. Your third option is a seasonal tree shop set up in a local parking lot, where trees have already been cut and brought in for you. If you must shop at a local spot, always ask how long the trees have been waiting for youthe shorter the better. When selecting a tree yourself, there are a few things to look for. Does it smell fresh? Examine the overall appearance of the tree. The needles should be bright and shiny, and be flexible.

If you run your hand along the boughs, very few needles should come off in your hand. Also, if you ?bounce? the tree, a few brown needles on the inside may come off, but otherwise very few needles should fall to the ground. Once you have you have your perfect tree selected, ask for a fresh cut to be made at the base. Get the tree home carefully and as quickly as possible.

If you aren't ready to set up your tree just yet, store it upright in a bucket of water, away from the elements.

When you are ready to set up your tree, ensure that your stand can hold plenty of water. For every inch in diameter your tree is, the stand should hold about one quart of water. An old wives tale says to add aspirin or even Sprite to the water, but most sources agree that plain water is just fine. Check the water level frequently; adequate hydration is the most important factor in keeping your tree alive longer. Not only is a dehydrated tree unattractive, it is also a fire hazard. To reduce the risk of fire, place the tree in a cool area of the room; do not place the tree near any heat sources or warm drafts like vents or radiators, home appliances, or your TV or entertainment center.

Also, do not place the tree near a fireplace or lit candles. Do not decorate the tree with anything flammable, and any lights you are using should be in good working order. Do not overload electrical sockets, and always unplug the lights when the tree is unattended. It takes just a little effort to maximize the life of real Christmas trees. Picking a healthy tree, providing an abundant water supply, and reducing your fire risk will help you get more enjoyment from fresh christmas trees this holiday season.