WEST MILFORD Chris and Wayne Krieger started taking their daughter Kelsey to Evergreen Farm for their fresh cut Christmas tree when Kelsey was a toddler. They have enjoyed the process of selecting their fresh cut tree as a family every since. They began this tradition eight years ago. You can still find the Kriegers and their daughter at Evergreen Farm the first week in December on any given year. In a day and age where convenience is coveted, families like the Kriegers are finding that holding on to family traditions is more important than ever. Why choose a fresh cut tree? The smell, the look, and the feel of a fresh cut tree cannot be replicated. There’s no comparison between dragging a plastic tree out of the attic and the experience of a family outing to the farm to select your own fresh cut tree. Before packing up the family to go to choose your tree, there are a few things to think about. You should decide where in the house you will be displaying your tree. Really look at the space. How tall is the ceiling? How wide should your tree be? Will it be in a corner? Will it be in front of a window? Or possibly next to a wall? Remember, you do not want it too close to the heat vents or the fireplace. You may want to start the discussion regarding your tree requirements such as, the size, width, type and possibly the budget before you get to the lot. This could help prevent arguments and possible disappointments. Real trees may be purchased from either large retail lots or the more personal family farm. You may see trees being sold for a low price at locations that don’t usually sell retail products. Be careful of these trees as they may have been cut too long ago and will begin to dry out before the end of the season. One simple test for freshness is to gently grasp a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pull it toward you. Very few green needles should come off in your hand. Some loss of interior brown needles is normal. The care and maintenance of a fresh cut tree is very important if you would like your tree to last a good long time. Misinformation about proper tree care can reduce the time you can enjoy your real Christmas tree. The most recent research shows that adding bleach, aspirin, fertilizer or other products does not necessarily make the tree last longer. Buying a good quality fresh tree from a reputable lot is more important than additives to assure that your tree will last throughout your holiday season. Water, water, water! During the first week that your tree is in your house, check the water daily and replenish it as needed. After the first week, the tree will absorb less water. Tree bags are huge plastic bags that help with the disposal when you are ready to carry out your tree after Christmas. They also can protect the flooring under your tree. Be sure to use the appropriate size stand for your fresh cut tree so you don’t have to experience a toppled tree. A real Christmas tree is a renewable, recyclable resource that allows you and your family to enjoy this noblest of holiday symbols while helping the environment at the same time. Since real Christmas trees are grown as a crop on farms, new trees are planted every year. And since they are an organic, natural product (not synthetic, factory made) they can be recycled. So as you celebrate the season, make the environmentally-friendly choice in Christmas trees - a fresh, farm grown, real Christmas tree.