How to find a Christmas tree that makes the cut

Americans bought 28.2 million natural Christmas trees last year and one in five families cut their own. Visiting a tree farm makes a nice family outing and the farmers like it because they can sell directly to their customers rather than to a wholesaler. "We see families getting a lot of joy from the picking the tree and cutting it themselves," says Evelyn Watts, who owns the Four Corners Christmas tree farm in Newtown, Connecticut.

Whether you're cutting your own tree or buying one from a nursery, big box store or roadside stand, there are some tips to keep in mind. Here's what the experts at the National Christmas Tree Association and the New York Botanical Gardens, had to say about types of trees.

Scotch pine. Their bright-green color and excellent needle retention (the needles don't fall even when dry) make Scotch pines a very popular choice. But like all pines, they lack strong branch structure so don't buy one if you have heavy or expensive ornaments. Scotch pines are also easy to replant if you prefer buying a live tree.

Frasier fir. This tree's branches turn slightly upwards, which means they ship well after being trussed up. Like the Balsam, Douglas and Concolor firs, they have a pleasing aroma and strong branches. "This year, all our cut holiday trees are Frasier firs," says Deanna Curtis, the Botanical Gardens woody plants expert. "We have large ornaments, and these hold them well."

Blue spruce. Many folks consider spruces the most beautiful of trees, but they're notorious needle-shedders. White spruces hold their needles better, but you may get a bad aroma if the needles are crushed.

Leyland cypress. These have very little smell and no sap, in case anyone in your family is allergic to either.

Once you've chosen your tree, here's how to cut, display and maintain it.

• Don't pick a live or cut tree that has any dried-out branches, or needles that come off too easily when you run your hand along the branches. Try snapping a branch—if it snaps easily, avoid that tree.
• Avoid any trees with signs of insect infestation and be sure to shake the tree gently but firmly to dislodge insects, spider webs and egg sacs.
• When visiting a tree farm, wear shoes with good traction and don't go late in the day, when fading light and fatigue can contribute to accidents.
• Pick a tree that's one foot shorter than the height of the display area, so you have room for your stand.
• If the tree was cut more than six hours before you set it up, be sure to cut a ½-inch disc from the bottom of the trunk before placing it in the stand and be generous with the water. A tree can absorb a lot of water in a short period of time once it comes out of a dormant state.
• Don't shave down the trunk to make it fit the stand, as the outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water. Maintain the water level above the cut—the temperature of the water doesn't matter.
• Skip adding aspirin, sugar, pennies or other items to the water in the tree stand. Plain water is fine.
• Keep the tree away from any direct heat sources, like vents, radiators, space heaters, wood stoves and south facing windows, and don't leave the lights on when you go to sleep or leave the house.

—Gian Trotta

More holiday how-tos: "Don't hit the deck when decorating this holiday season" highlights safety tips to observe when using holiday lights, ladders and candles. See how to save by using LED lights like those on the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.