Also look for our descriptions of popular types of Christmas trees at the end of the guide. Measure the ceiling height, and estimate how much tree width the room can accommodate. Decide whether or not it's important for your tree to be perfect from all sides. If you can have a hole or misshapen area on one side, you may end up paying much less for your tree. Take your tape measure with you to the lot.
Trees look much smaller out in the open, and it's difficult to eyeball the correct size.
Check to see if the tree is fresh. A dried-out tree will never recover and is a fire hazard. Bounce the tree gently on the ground, or shake the tree. It is normal for some brown needles to fall out from the center, but if green needles shower off the tree, keep looking. Wrinkled bark is another sign of a dry tree.