In Maine, we have the luxury — on par with New Hampshire and Vermont — of having the greatest variety of Christmas trees from which to choose. We can cut our own in the back field or that of a Christmas tree farm, or we can say the heck with that, and find a freshly-cut one likely just down the street.  We are the Pine Tree State, after all, so take advantage of living here and don’t settle for less than perfect.

In the past, most Christmas trees came from the forest but today more than 98 percent of the trees in Maine are grown on plantations, said the Maine Christmas Tree Association, a Maine nonprofit.

The Maine Christmas Tree Association issues some advice on finding the right tree, no matter if you want a needled pine, scented balsam or a spruce.

Do a freshness test. Gently grasp a branch between the thumb and forefinger and pull it toward oneself. Very few needles should come off in your hand if the tree is fresh. Shake or bounce the tree on its stump. There should not be an excessive amount of green needles falling to the ground. Some loss of interior brown needles is normal and will occur over the lifetime of the tree.

Once a tree is chosen, keep it in a sheltered, unheated area, such as a porch or garage to protect it from the wind and sun until ready for decoration.

Before setting up the tree, make a fresh, straight cut across the base of the trunk (about a quarter inch up from the original cut) and place it in a tree stand that holds a gallon of water or more.

Keep the tree stand filled with water. A seal of dried sap will form over the cut stump in four to six hours if the water drops below the base of the tree, preventing the tree from absorbing water later when the tree stand is refilled. If a seal does form, another fresh cut will need to be made.

A tree will absorb as much as a gallon of water or more in the first 24 hours and one or more quarts a day thereafter. Water is important because it prevents the needles from drying and dropping off and the boughs from drooping. Water also keeps the tree fragrant.

Keep the tree away from heat and draft sources like fireplaces, radiators and television sets. Test your light cords and connections before hanging them on the tree to make sure they're in good working order. Do not use cords with cracked insulation or broken or empty sockets. Unplug lights before going to bed or leaving the house. Never overload electrical circuits.

What to do with trees after the holidays

Christmas tree trunks and branches can be used as mulch for gardens, parks or in animal stalls. The mulch provides a protect barrier for the roots of other plants and vegetation while preventing weeds from growing. The mulch then decomposes, providing the nutrients plants need to thrive.

Some communities use Christmas trees to make effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially at beaches and on river beds. Sunk into private fish ponds trees make excellent refuge and feeding area for fish.

Before recycling, Christmas trees can be used to make bird feeders, adding color and excitement to the winter garden. Utilize orange slices, suet, and seed to attract the birds. They will come for the food and stay for the shelter in the branches.

Trees are generally available to purchase soon after Thanksgiving.

Where to get a tree

West Bay Rotary sells trees at Maine Sport in Rockport on selected dates as a fundraiser.

Rockland Kiwanis will sell trees at the Hannaford shopping center in Rockland.

Hoboken Gardens, Rockport
Route 1 (310 Commercial St.)
207-236-3023 
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12-4 (starting November 28)

Fresh off the Farm, Rockport
Route 1 (Commercial Street)

Beth's Farm, Warren
207-273-3695
Open May through December, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week
bethsfarmmarket.com

Davis Stream Tree Farm, Washington
263 Hopkins Road
207-845-2544
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday ,Thanksgiving to Christmas, 8 a.m. till dark
On Facebook, DavisStreamTreeFarm

Evergreen Farms
2500 Winslows Mills Road (Route 32) Jefferson Side, Waldoboro
207-832-5385. Alternate Phone: 207-832-7576
facebook.com/EvergreenFarmsChooseAndCut

Open the first Saturday after Thanksgiving and every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self service during the week.

Christmas Tree Bazaar, Nobleboro
Back Meadow Road, Nobleboro, just down hill from the telephone company
Trees from the farm are sold at Damariscotta Hardware, Upper Main St., Damariscotta
Open: Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 

Green Acre Tree Farm
663 South Route 27 (Boothbay Road), Edgecomb
207-882-6063 or 207-882-8010
acebook.com/GreenAcreTreeFarm 

Evening Star Farm
10 Sprout Hill Road, Prospect
207-567-3507

Fishers Christmas Tree Farm, Belfast
281 Belmont Avenue
207-338-6098
facebook.com/FishersChristmasTreeFarm 

Farm and Forest Tree Farm, Unity
207-948-2125

Heaven's View Christmas Tree Farm, Brooks
Route 7
207-548-2221
Open Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open for Christmas trees from day after Thanksgiving to the second weekend in December