This weekend is the prime Christmas tree buying time of the year. Over the next month, some 33 million trees will be cut, shipped and displayed across the land.

As you select your Christmas tree, appearance and freshness are the most important considerations.  Some trees offer a more symmetrical, formal look, while others have a less symmetrical, more informal look.  Let your home decor and your planned ornamentation guide this selection.

Choose a well-formed symmetrical tree. Check the height and width of the tree to make certain it will fit the area for which it is intended and allow enough for cutting several inches from the bottom of the trunk.

Check the tree by standing it upright and tapping it on the ground.  Fresh trees do not drop needles from the outside of the tree. Older needles on the inside of the tree may drop away, but that does not indicate the tree is old.  Bend needles gently between your fingers.  If they are brittle and break, the tree is not as fresh as you would like. If they bend, the tree is fresh.

Insure a fresh tree by purchasing it early.  When you get it home, cut at least one inch off the base and immediately stand the tree in fresh, warm, (about 100 degrees) water.  Keep the container filled at all times.  If the tree looses its water, the vessels of the tree seal off and it is unable to pull more water into the plant.

Many trees are sprayed with commercial anti-desiccants.  If your tree has not been sprayed, nurseries have anti-desiccants for sale.  Trees last longer if they are moved gradually from a cold area into an enclosed porch or basement for a day or two before bringing them into heated living rooms.

Place the tree as far away as possible from heat sources such as ducts, fireplaces, or television sets.  Continue adding water as needed throughout the time the tree is inside the home.

There are many different formulas for keeping trees fresh but according to the Christmas tree growers associations, the best and most important formula to keep the tree fresh is  never to let it run out of water.

As you venture forth to select your tree this weekend, look for a fresh, well shaped tree of the variety that suites your conditions.  Shop early for best selection and keep your tree in water in a cool, shaded place until bringing it indoors.  Decorate it with safe, approved lights and enjoy this wonderful symbol of the holiday season.