Looking For The Perfect Holiday Tree? Here Are Some Hints

(CBS) -- This weekend, it's all about hitting the stores to find that perfect gift, but next weekend the focus will shift to finding the perfect holiday tree.

CBS 2's Courtney Gousman talked to some tree experts to get the tips you need to know before making the big decision.

Jay Burghardt knew what he was looking for.

"A Balsam because of its natural look. I like the space between the branches so the ornaments can hang," he says.

It didn't take him long to choose a tree to take home.

It's the busy time of year at B.A. Florist & Nursery in Chicago's West Loop.

When looking for that perfect holiday tree, the owner tells CBS 2, the fresher the better. You can look for trees that were recently cut by checking for a clean stump.

Looking for a tree that will not shed hundreds of needles in your home?

"Fraser Firs probably will be the longest-lasting tree. This will last for a good six to eight weeks," Dennis Karas, Owner of B.A. Florist & Nursery.

Another way to tell if you have a really fresh tree is to stroke the branches. It's a good sign if the needles stay in place and if you get that sticky feeling on your hands. That's sap.

James Dombrowski is the owner City Tree Delivery, an outside tree lot near Damen and Milwaukee, which opened for business Friday.

"If you give it a good shake and it just rains, that's a bad tree," he says.

Both experts tell CBS 2, before bringing your tree home, be sure to get the stump freshly cut.

"It's kind of a no-brainer. Just keep it moist," Burghardt says.

"They smell wonderful. They will cheer you up with their wonderful scent," Karas says.

Make sure to put your tree in water within an hour of bringing it home.

If you take good care of the tree, it might even last you through February.