Medford, Ore.-Area Tree Shoppers Flock to Lots, Farms.

Byline: Jill Briskey

Dec. 1--Eyeing the Douglas fir that blocks about 18 feet of sky, 11-year-old Justin Steffens has to step back for a better view.

"I want to get a real big one," the Applegate youngster says. "This one is big."

His soon-to-be stepfather appraises the mammoth, prospective Christmas tree that may take over their living room during the holiday season.

"Your mom is going to be thrilled to get that on the top of her van," Greg Snow says.

Rogue Valley nurseries, tree lot operators and tree growers offer a few tips that may keep that Christmas tree from turning into a dried-out fire hazard before the holiday is over.

Purchase a fresh tree. Ask lot dealers when the tree was cut. Some trees are cut as early as October. Give the tree a good bounce to see how many needles fall off. Stroke the needles to see whether …