By PAUL HETZLER

Science has yet to explain just why our sense of smell is so intimately connected with memory, but it is. That may be why so many people feel that the holidays just wouldn’t be the same without the piney aroma of a real Christmas tree.

It’s true that allergies, lack of space or need for convenience can necessitate an artificial tree; those of us who can enjoy the genuine article on Christmas are fortunate indeed.

Here are a few tips to maximize the fragrance and minimize the mess.

When cut, a Christmas tree is about fifty percent water and it really likes it that way. As soon as you get it home, cut a (minimum) one-inch “cookie” off the base of the trunk and put the tree in water, even if it means a bucket in the garage while you set up the stand. While the most important thing in keeping a tree fresh is to fill the (ideally one-gallon or more capacity) reservoir in the stand daily, remember to locate the tree away from radiators, forced-air vents or other heat sources. Using a humidifier can further prolong needle life. Because heat from standard light strings can dry out the tree, use miniature lights which emit far less heat, or LED lights which give off none (and save on your power bill).

All fresh trees are fragrant, some more so than others. Considered by many the Cadillac of Christmas trees, Douglas fir bears aromatic, one-inch, dark green needles. The native balsam fir retains its inch-long needles and is one of the most fragrant trees. Resin from “blisters“ on its trunk has a storied past as a Civil War antiseptic but can get a bit messy. Fraser fir, a western species very similar to balsam but less resinous, is usually available in the area as well. Scotch pine, the most popular Christmas tree in the U.S., retains its pairs of two-inch, stiff needles better than any other tree. Our eastern white with its soft, three-inch needles borne in bundles of five is another popular choice. White spruce needles are half-inch and soft, but Colorado (blue) spruce, while attractive, has painfully sharp needles and shouldn’t be used if you have small children.

Whichever species you choose, at the end of the season it can get a second life “planted” in a snowbank and re-decorated with popcorn, suet balls and other bird treats.

Speaking of planting, if you’re considering using a live, potted Christmas tree that will end up in your landscape, now is the time to prepare for it. First off, make sure your site has enough vertical and horizontal real estate to fit a full-grown conifer. Dig the planting hole at least twice as wide as the root system but no deeper, then cover the hole and excavated soil with mulch to protect from freezing, in the event that freezing actually happens before the new year.

Your potted tree will need acclimation, so give it a few days in a cool place (garage, basement, etc.) before bringing it inside, and provide it the same treatment on its way outdoors. While having a Christmas tree you’ll re-use is a commendable idea, be aware that it should only be indoors for one week at most. Use either LED lights or none at all, and be liberal with the water and conservative with the thermostat.

Here’s to a safe, happy and good-smelling holiday season!

Paul Hetzler is a forester and a horticulture and natural resources educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County.