By Susan Skorupa, Reno Gazette-Journal

Thanksgiving is Thursday, so the Christmas season begins Friday. Soon, trees will sparkle from windows all over town.

Buying a cut or potted live tree for later planting involves a little science; keeping a cut tree fresh and a live tree alive also require special handling.

Space is the first issue. Where will the tree stand?

“You need to know what kind of space you want to fill. You can buy a little tabletop tree, about 24 to 30 inches tall. It’s perfect for those without a lot of space, for a dorm room, children’s room,” said Mike Bondi of the Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association, an industry trade group.

Don’t put a tree by a heat register, near or in front of a fireplace or wood stove, or near any direct source of heat, Bondi said.

“If you can keep the tree in a cooler environment, it will stay fresher longer,” Bondi said. “Do not put it in front of a window that gets direct sunlight, not on the south or west side of the house.

“Before you get it, figure out where you’re going to put it,” he said.

When shopping for a cut tree, use the smell-and-snap test, Bondi said.

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