Now that the calendar is turned to December, plenty of folks will turn their focus toward getting their homes decorated for the holidays – and for so many, that includes choosing the perfect Christmas tree.

But “perfect” is in the eye of the beholder, and according to Vance County Cooperative Extension Technician Wayne Rowland, there are a few things to consider before you head out to a favorite local tree farm, civic club or charitable organization’s lot or retailer to start your search.

For starters, where will the tree be located? If you’re going to be able to view the tree from all angles, then a #1 Premium grade tree may be your best bet. If it’s going to be nestled into a corner, you can opt for a less expensive choice, knowing that you can hide blemishes or wonky-shaped branches from view.

Almost every county in North Carolina produces Christmas trees of one species or another, and many N.C. grown Fraser firs find their way into homes across the country at this time of year.

But, as Rowland reminds us, these trees are living things, and they require care to keep them looking their best over the course of the coming month.

Keep plenty of water in the tree stand once a cut tree is in place. The balled-and-burlap option also needs plenty of water, too, since you’ll be planting it outside later.

Just make sure that the species you’ll be planting is one that will live in our particular climate, Rowland said.

White and Virginia pines, as well as cedars and Lebanon cypress are good choices for balled-and-burlap options, he said.