One of the many highlights of the holiday season is choosing a family Christmas tree. It does not matter if you visit a cut-your own tree farm or the local hardware store, it's always exciting. But remember that tree selection and care is extremely important. It's the difference between having a green or yellow/ brown tree on Christmas morning.

• Be sure you know what size (height and width) you need before buying.

• Choose a tree species that works for you. Read below for more information on tree species.

• Do a freshness test on the trees. Green needles on fresh trees break crisply when bent sharply with the fingers.

• Pines have different indicators because of the fibrous nature of their needles compared to firs. The needles on fresh pines do NOT break, unless they are very dry.

• Look for other indicators of dryness or deterioration: excessive needle loss, discolored foliage, musty odor, needle pliability and wrinkled bark.

Now that you have some selection tips in mind here are a few tree options that are available to you.

Fraser firs have 1-inch needles that are silvery-green and soft to the touch. This tree is a bit easier to decorate than others because there is space between the branches. The Fraser Fir has great shape and needle retention.

Colorado blue spruce has a nice shape (pyramid like) and can hold heavy ornaments. The Blue spruce is known for its unique blue/silvery foliage. Consider this blue/silver tint when decorating.

Balsam fir has a very attractive form and beautiful dark-green color. The flexible branches may not be able to hold heavy ornaments but the tree tends to hold its needles well, and gives off a pleasant fragrance for your home.

White fir or Concolor fir has a nice shape with needles around 1/2 to 1 1/2 inch long. The foliage color has a bluish-green tint and the tree has good needle retention.

Norway spruce is a beautiful tree with good color but does not hold its needles well and should be purchased just a week or so before Christmas.

White pine is a beautiful tree that is very full but the branches are very flexible and may not support heavy decorations. However, the needles last a long time when properly watered. The White pine is often used in garlands, wreaths and centerpieces.

After Christmas remember to recycle your tree with Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District. You will be helping your community by supplying mulch (recycled Christmas tree) for county projects, and you will receive a voucher for a live tree, which will be available in the spring.

For more information on Christmas tree selection or locations of where you can cut your own tree, call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County at 255-1183.

Renee Jensen is a community educator of environmental issues at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County