One of the first accounts of Christmas trees in the United States was at Fort Dearborn, the site of Chicago in 1804 where American soldiers set up a tree. It was also reported that Hessian troops set up trees during the War of Independence. One of the oldest records of a decorated tree was found in a diary in Strasburg, France in 1605.

Over thirty million Christmas trees are produced each year. Ninety-five per cent of those trees are shipped or sold directly from Christmas tree farms. In the United States there are over 20,000 Christmas tree growers including 12,000 cut-your –own farms. The best selling trees are Scotch pine, Douglas fir, Noble fir, Fraser fir, Virginia pine, Balsam fir and White pine.

Why should you purchase a Christmas tree? Christmas trees remove dust and pollen from the air. An acre of Christmas trees provides for the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people. They also provide a habitat for wildlife. Recycled trees have been used to make. sand and soil erosion barriers. Artificial trees may last for a few years in your home, but they will last for centuries in a landfill. Plus what can beat walking into a room with a real tree and smelling that wonderful Christmas tree aroma.

So now that I have persuaded you to buy a real tree from a farm or a corner lot, here a few hints on how to make that pursuit of the "perfect" tree an easy one.

Pick out a local Christmas tree farm to visit from the extensive listing of Illinois farms on the University of Illinois Extension website, Christmas Trees and More.

Do a little research on different Christmas tree types. For example, the Scotch pine has excellent needle retention with the needles hanging on for weeks even when they are dry, plus it keeps its aroma throughout the season. The Illinois Christmas Tree Association also has an extensive listing of farms on it's website.

Decide on where you will place the tree. Will it be seen from all sides or will some of it be up against a wall? Be sure to choose a spot away from heat sources, such as TVs, fireplaces, radiators and air ducts. Place the tree clear of doors.

Choose a tree that fits where it is to be displayed. For example if the tree is displayed in front of a large window, then all four sides should look as good as possible. If the tree is displayed against a wall, then a tree with three good sides would be okay. A tree with two good sides would work well in a corner. The more perfect a tree, the more expensive it is.

Measure the height and width of the space you have available in the room where the tree will be placed. There is nothing worse than bringing a tree indoors only to find it's too tall. Take a tape measure with you to measure your chosen tree and bring a cord to tie your tree to the car and a tarp to cover it to avoid exposure to drying winds.

If choosing a tree for a retail lot, remember that trees sold on retail lots in urban areas may have come from out of state and may have been exposed to drying winds in transit. They may have been cut weeks earlier. Buy trees early before the best trees have been sold. Ask the retailer whether his trees are delivered once at the beginning of the season or are they delivered at different times during the selling season.

Choose a fresh tree from the lot. A fresh tree will have a healthy green appearance with few brown needles. Needles should be flexible and not fall off if you run a branch through your hand. Raise the tree a few inches off the ground and drop it on the butt end. Very few green needles should drop off the tree. It is normal for a few inner brown needles to drop off.

Make sure the handle or base of the tree is straight and at least 6-8 inches long so it will fit easily into the stand. Keep the water level in your Christmas tree stand above the base (cut end) of the tree. If the base dries out, resin will form over the cut end and the tree will stop absorbing water. Do not add commercially prepared mixes, aspirin, sugar, or other additives to the water. Research has shown that plain water is best.

If you decide to go to a cut-your-own farm prepare for a day in the country. Wear comfortable shoes and old clothes. Bring rain gear if the weather is threatening. The "cutter downers" and the "loader uppers" should also have gloves. Don't forget the camera. It's best to leave dogs at home. But, if a pet is allowed and must come along, keep him on a leash at all times. Please don't let him "mark" other people's trees.

Go into the field and choose the tree that fits your predetermined needs. Check the trunk to be sure that it is straight. Keep in mind that pines will usually have, at least, some crook in their trunks. Also check that the tree has a sufficiently long handle to accommodate your stand.

Most farms will provide saws. After you cut down your tree, many farms will net the tree to make transporting it easier.

If you are not putting the tree up right away store it in an unheated garage or some other area out of the wind and cold (freezing) temperatures. Make a fresh one inch cut on the butt end and place the tree in a bucket of warm water.

When you decide to bring the tree indoors, make another fresh one inch cut and place the tree in a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water.

Enjoy your real tree and the holiday season.

For other holiday related information from the University of Illinois Extension, check out the following websites:

The Poinsettia Pages

Turkey for the Holidays