Selecting your tree

• Your tree will look bigger inside your house than it does standing by itself in a field. The tree that appears 'just right' is probably a little too big. The one that looks a little small outside is probably the 'just right' one.
• Buy your tree early for best selection and the longest period of enjoyment.
• Decide where you will be displaying the tree in your home. Measure the height and width of the space. When deciding on the height of your tree, be sure to make an allowance for the top ornament and the bottom tree stand.
• If you are going to display the tree through a large window, pick a tree that looks good from all four sides. You can be less picky if the tree is going in a corner where only two sides can be viewed.

Tree care

• If you do not put the tree up right away, store it out of the elements (sun, wind, freezing temperatures). The trunk should be emersed in water while stored.  When you do bring it in, cut off at least one-half  inch of the trunk to provide a fresh surface for water contact.
• Place the tree in a sturdy stand. The stand should hold one quart of water for each inch of trunk diameter. Don't add anything to the water. Plain tap water is the best.
  
• Check the water level daily. In the first week, a tree may consume a quart of water each day. Locating a tree in the vacinity of a significant heat source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater, will speed up evaporation and mositure loss from the tree.
• When the holiday season is over, take the used tree to a nearby recyling center.

Safety

• Check all electrical cords on Christmas tree lights and extension cords for worn or exposed areas.
• Miniature lights produce less heat than regular lights and reduce the drying effect on the tree.
• Turn off (unplug) all tree lights at night before you go to bed.
• Remove the tree from your house before it dries out.
• Never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. It will burn REALLY hot and adds considerably to creosote buildup.

Recycling centers

The City provides tree recycling sites every year starting Christmas Day at the following locations:

NORTH
• Ballard Park
  3901 N. 66th Street
• Oak Lake Park
  South of Cornhusker Hwy. 3 blocks on 1st Street
• Seng Park at University Place
  50th & Garland

SOUTH
• Holmes Lake Park
  parking lot west of north softball field
• Tierra Park
  29th & Tierra Drive
• Woods Park
  31st and “J” Street, SE corner of lot