Breathe a little easier if you are a fan of real Christmas trees: Real trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, are grown locally and are 100 percent recyclable. Here are the details of those environmental benefits and some tips to purchasing a real tree.

Consider the fact that Christmas trees are often 6 to 7 years old before they are cut down. That means for 6-7 years (or maybe even longer), the trees are taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen in to the atmosphere. Most tree farms plant more trees every year to replace those that were cut.

The four (that I know of) pick-your-own Christmas tree farms in this area are all locally owned and operated. If you purchase your tree there, your money stays local and usually comes with hayrides/sleigh rides, hot chocolate or apple cider and cookies for the kids.

If you prefer to stay in town, pre-cut Christmas trees are available at many local businesses. Some sales even support charitable organizations, so your money is staying in the community with these options as well. These trees may be shipped from northern states or even Canada, but consider that nearly 85 percent of artificial trees are made in China.

After the holidays, place your real tree outside for wildlife habitat, chip and shred it for mulch or donate it to municipal Christmas tree recycling programs. Artificial trees, typically made of PVC plastic, are rarely recyclable.

To pick out a quality farm-grown Christmas tree, remember to get a good idea of what size you want before you leave the house. Trees tend to look smaller in the field. If you are cutting the tree yourself, you know it is fresh. For pre-cut trees, wrap the tip of a branch around one finger. The branch should be flexible and bend easily. You can also pick up the tree — it should be heavy for its size. Very light trees are probably dry.

Cut another 2 inches from the bottom of the trunk when you get home, even if you just cut the tree at the farm. Put the tree in water immediately, and if you can, put the tree in a cool place like the garage or basement for a day or so to allow the tree to rehydrate.

Stands should hold 1 quart of water per inch of diameter of tree — so if the base is 4 inches across, the stand needs to hold at least 4 quarts of water. Plain tap water is best. Add water every day and keep the tree away from direct heat sources that will dry out the branches.

Real Christmas trees do not cause fires. The United States Fire Administration says, “Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem.”

In research trials, fire safety engineers were unable to ignite a properly water tree.

This weekend should be perfect for a hayride, some warm apple-cider, fresh air and supporting the local economy.