A PRIMER ON PICKING THE PERFECT TREE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Tips from Stew Leonard's Christmas Tree Experts

NORWALK, Conn., December 5, 2005 – Apart from the debate on whether it is a holiday tree or a Christmas tree, the biggest dilemma remains selecting one the whole family agrees on. The weekend of December 10 and 11 is the busiest weekend for Christmas tree sales. To help families navigate their perfect tree through the evergreen forest, Stew Leonard's Christmas tree experts offer the following tips:

• Know where you want the tree to go in your home (make sure this area is away from air vents and fireplaces to prevent moisture loss.) This will determine how tall and how wide it can be. The most popular height is six to seven feet.
• Narrow down the selection process by knowing what variety of tree would work best for you. Of the three most popular varieties:
• Balsam Firs are the most fragrant, have long-lasting needles and classic tree form
• Fraser Firs' are the most popular tree because it offers the strongest branches with shorter needles, so it is easier to decorate and the best tree for heavier ornaments. They also have excellent needle retention.
• Douglas Firs offer the fullest shape and softer needles, along with a wonderful fragrance.
• Buyer beware. The top grade for Christmas trees is premium, followed by #1 and #2 grades. Stew Leonard's only sells premium grade trees, and guarantees the tree will remain fresh throughout the season

"We have heard from several people that the price of Christmas trees has increased over last year due to rising fuel costs. Stew Leonard's has not passed this extra cost onto the customer, and is holding prices steady with last year, with trees starting a $19.99 for a five foot tree," said Tom Anrico, Stew Leonard's Christmas tree buyer. "We have been buying our trees from the same growers in Canada and Pennsylvania for the past 26 years, and have visited the tree farms, so we can personally attest to the quality, freshness and value of our trees."

Other services to look for when buying a tree is to make sure that a fresh cut of at least ½-inch is made on the bottom of the trunk and any bottom branches are cleared away before the tree is brought home. Stew Leonard's also bails the tree for customers, and ties it on top of the car for the customer to help ensure the tree arrives home as perfect as you picked it out.

Stew Leonard's Christmas tree shop is open from 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. and also offers a wide array of wreaths, ornaments, lights, stockings and other holiday decorations. For more information, visit Stew Leonard's website at www.stewleonards.com..