by Marilla Mulwane

Created on: December 17, 2011   Last Updated: December 21, 2011

Choosing and cutting down a Christmas tree is a fun, family tradition that adds to the Christmas season. It is also difficult to pick the perfect tree. A tree that looks perfect outside might not look so great once it is indoors. Walking around, looking at trees, is similar to purchasing a new car. It must have all the right components, look beautiful in the driveway (or living room, in the case of trees) and fit. The difference between looking for a new car and a Christmas tree is you don't get to test-drive the tree. Keep these tips in mind when tree hunting.

Measure the space before picking a tree.

Decide where the tree will go and measure from the floor to the ceiling. Subtract the height of the tree topper and the tree stand from that measurement. The result is the tallest tree you can choose, give or take a few inches. If this means having to haul out Christmas decorations early, it is still worth it. Take the tape measure along when choosing the tree and measure from the ground to the top of the tree to make sure it will fit the measurement. Do not just look at a tree and decide if it "looks" like it fits. A tree that is outdoors appears much smaller than it really is. Even if you measure the tree and it fits the measurement, and you think it "looks" too small, go with the measurement. Your eyes lie.

The perfect tree shape:

Find a tree that is larger at the bottom and gradually becomes smaller. A tree that is all one size looks like a pole with needles. It might be necessary to measure the width of the area where the tree will sit to make sure you don't choose a tree that is too wide at the bottom.

Fitting the tree topper

Look for a tree that has a taller branch at the top for the topper. If the branch is too tall for the topper, just cut it down to size. Never choose a tree with a top branch that juts out to the side. The topper will end up that way, too. It is OK if the tree has several branches near the top branch. They can be cut out of the way so the topper fits.

Avoid large gaps between layers.

Large gaps in trees look terrible no matter how much you decorate them. It isn't always easy to find a tree without any large gaps. If the tree sits up against a wall, it is OK to choose a tree with large gaps on one side. Place the side with the gaps up against the wall so they are invisible to the eye. Smaller gaps are great if you have ornaments that dangle low or move when attached to lights. The ornaments fill in the gaps and the gaps provide room for the ornaments to dangle and not hit branches.

Stay away from pine trees.

Most people think of pine trees when it comes to Christmas, but pine trees are prickly. Needles poke the hands and get stuck in fingers. It doesn't make decorating fun. Choose, instead, a soft tree such as a spruce or fir.

Always look at the trunk.

Never choose a tree with a crooked trunk. Even if the tree appears to be standing up straight, it won't once it is in the tree stand. It is not worth having to fight with the tree or tie it up to the wall. If the trunk is crooked, keep looking.

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