DALLAS, Nov 30, 1998/ FW/ --- Nothing surpasses the atmosphere given by a Christmas tree to give the spiri of the season. Whether you are going to use fresh or artificial trees, here are tree-shopping tips to pick the perfect evergreen.

Decide where the tree will be placed, and create a space free of obstructions from the location. Lifestyle and living space also play an important role in choosing the right tree for the home. Slimline trees are popular among apartment and condo dwellers. With a 36-to 48-inch base, these trees are very narrow and easy to decorate and fit into smaller, non- traditional areas of the home.

Trees are available in a variety of heights from 18 inches to 12 feet. Again, consider lifestyle when selecting the size of a tree. For homeowners "on the go," trimming a 4-foot tree may prove to be festive and manageable.

Also, give thought to ceiling height. Allow at least one foot between the top of the tree and the ceiling, which creates enough space for the tree topper.

Because most artificial trees today mimic real ones, the tree type is equally important to consider for both artificial and live trees. Trees vary in coloration, needle style and shape, creating a look and feel to complement personal style and preference. Among some popular varieties are the Fraser fir, Scotch pine, Noble fir and Douglas fir. For needles that look and feel like the real thing, check out three styles of GE "Just Cut" artificial trees.

Coverage refers to the density of the tree's branches. It is important to choose a tree that offers enough coverage to suit personal taste, but that still provides enough space to decorate. A full tree may be harder to decorate with little space to hang and display ornaments. A good gauge of fullness on an artificial tree is the "tip count." Generally, the more tips the tree has, the fuller it looks.

For artificial pre-lit trees, consider the tree's coverage and light placement. Using the "squint test," squint the eyes to reveal any holes or areas that are not properly lit to determine if it is the desired look and effect. When purchasing lights for live trees, measure the tree to determine how many lights it will require. Miniature lights are ideal for live trees because they produce less heat and reduce the drying effect on the tree. Lowe's offers a variety of long-lasting, durable lights including GE(R) lights with Constant ON(TM) lighting technology, which allows the lights to stay on even when a bulb burns out or becomes loose.

Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree