Every year we warn you about how important it is to keep the trunk of your Christmas tree immersed in water to keep the branches moist and reduce the chance of fire.

Before you go shopping for this year's tree, here are a few tips on characteristics that might help you decide on the perfect one for you.

The first thing you must do is measure. Knowing the height, width and depth of the area where you place your tree is important. Forcing a tree against a wall can result in a big mess. Most trees produce an abundance of sticky, hard-to-clean sap. Consider sap drippings when deciding on how much protection to place on carpets and other adjacent floor coverings.

You might not need to get a perfectly shaped tree that is beautifully trimmed and full all the way around. If you intend to place your tree against a wall, consider purchasing one with one flat side. It will not only save pruning time and energy, but possibly money.

Tree Tips

-If you want a tree with a strong scent, look for white fir, Fraser fir or balsam fir. If allergies are a problem you might want to stick with an eastern white pine (a specie with a milder aroma).

-Some trees are known for retaining their needles through the holiday season. The Colorado blue spruce, Fraser fir, balsam fir, eastern white pine and white spruce experience very little needle loss.

-The Norway spruce is a needle-dropper and might have you sweeping or vacuuming almost daily.

-The noble fir and the Scotch pine are ones that last, making them popular.

-Don't forget branch strength. Heavier ornaments will work better on a tree with sturdy branches.

-Trees with sharp needles should be avoided if you have small children or pets.

-You probably will want your tree to last about four weeks to six weeks, so it pays to test your prospective purchase for freshness. First give it the bounce test. Holding the tree about two feet above the ground and in a vertical position let it drop on the base of its trunk. If it doesn't lose a substantial amount of needles, chances are it is reasonably fresh. Some needle loss is normal; excessive loss is not. If the tree is too large to pick up, give it the shake test instead. Simply stand it on its trunk and shake it vigorously. No matter how much you liked the tree in the beginning, don't take it home if it drops a large amount of needles. A dry tree is nothing short of a mini forest fire looking for a place to ignite.

As we mentioned, freshness at time of purchase is essential. And keeping the tree fresh once you get it home is equally important. To accomplish this, your tree must be allowed to drink plenty of water during its stay with you. Your tree stand should hold at least a gallon of water. Just before placing the tree in the stand use a saw to slice about one-inch off the bottom of the trunk. It is imperative that a fresh section of trunk be placed in the water immediately. You will have only moments between the time you slice the trunk and the time it begins to reseal itself. During its first hours in the stand the tree can drink a quart of water in an hour or less and a gallon or more within the first 24 hours. Expect to feed your tree about a quart of water each day. Be sure not to let the end of the tree become exposed as it will immediately reseal itself and will no longer be able to absorb liquid.