Selecting a Christmas tree from a retail outlet may be convenient, but searching among the crowds of people and finding the perfect tree among the dozens of trees can be frustrating.

A “choose-and-cut” tree farm can turn a frustrating shopping trip into an enjoyable family outing.

Christmas tree farms offer advantages over the commercial businesses that operate from city lots. They provide a large and more varied tree selection and guarantee fresh trees.

Many times, the grower is on hand and can give expert advice and answer any questions you may have about your tree.

If you plan on shopping the farms for your Christmas tree this season, check out the following tips to help you make the best selection:

- Avoid weekend tree shopping, if possible.

- Visit farms during daylight hours when natural lighting fully exposes a tree.

- The best time to pick out a tree is at least two to three weeks before the holiday.

- Know which natural characteristics you want in a tree.

- Consider a tree’s size and shape in relation to your ceiling’s height and how much space a room can comfortable afford to give up.

- If a heavy ornament decorates the tree’s top, check the leader or uppermost tip branch for sturdiness.

- Look at the tree from different angles. Inspect carefully all four sides for any defects. Above all else, check for a straight stem.

- Already-sawed tree are sometimes available.

- Check the freshness of the tree by bending its branches and tugging gently at the needles. The needles should hold fast. The branches should be pliant.

- Avoid cut trees during a spell of unseasonable weather. Extremely warm days induce dehydration of needles.

- To keep your tree fresh-looking while in your home, remember that a tree uses up to one quart of water per day. Any tree, no matter what specie, will dry up and drop needles if not watered daily or if kept in a too warm room.

- Be sure to cut two inches off the stem if the tree has stood outside for a few days. This exposes fresh wood that readily absorbs water.

At some Christmas tree farms, “choose and dig” is another alternative. Many people buy live trees and plant them outside after the holidays.

If you’re going to plant a tree outside after the holidays, you should choose the spot and dig the hole now before the ground freezes.

You can buy a living Christmas tree already bagged and burlapped and disguise the root system with a colorful skirt. The roots will have to be set into a container, however, and you will need to water daily to keep the tree from drying out.

One week is the longest you should keep a living Christmas tree indoors, otherwise its survival when planted outside is jeopardized.

When the decorations are removed after Christmas, lower the tree into the hole in the ground that you have already prepared and care for it as you would any plant.

Enjoy your tree, a family tradition.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613.