To check for freshness, sharply bend several needles between your thumb and forefinger, if the needles are brittle and snap then it's too dry. Needles on a fresh tree will be flexible and snap back. They will be resilient when you brush your hand on the branch.
Choose varieties known for great needle retention and fragrance such as Balsam, Concolor, Douglas and Fraser fir. Scotch and White Pine, also, hold their needles longer. Norway and White Spruce are the worst.
When you bring your tree home, cut a 1 inch slice off the bottom and place in a bucket of water. This will allow the tree to drink and re-hydrate. A newly cut tree will drink up to a quart or more of water each day for the first few days. Check the water level daily. If the bottom is allowed to dry out you will have to recut the base to open the sealed bottom before bringing it indoors. Store the tree in a cool, shaded location.
When bringing indoors, have the tree stand ready and place away from any heating vents or fireplace. Make sure it can hold enough water to keep the tree from drying out. Check the water supply daily. The key to maintaining a fresh tree is to keep it in water that is cooler than room temperature. Be sure to check the needle dryness, if it becomes too dry the tree lights could start a fire.
After the holidays, recycle your tree by placing it outdoors in the yard for wintering birds to enjoy. It can, also, be submerged in a pond or lake to create a fish habitat. Branches can be chipped for use as mulch in the garden, but be sure to add extra nitrogen to the soil.
Art Phillips, Smith County Master Gardner
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Trees & Shrubs Index
Gardening Tips For Northeast Texas Index
East Texas Piney Woods Gardening Home Page