Things to consider before buying trees

Plan: Take along photographs and measurements to help designers create a tree that meets your needs.

Price: The more realistic and taller the tree, the higher the price. It’s not unusual to pay more than $400 per tree.

Placement: Think about furniture. If the tree goes behind a chair, branches and leaves should not interfere with sitting areas.

Volume: Thick, full plants look best with traditional interiors. For modern decor, think lean and sparse.

Shape: Some want a tree to dramatically sway a certain way so it looks cool from their spot on the sofa or from outdoors if it is in front of a window.

Scale: Trees and tall plants should not touch the ceiling and should not be level with the furnishings.

Style: Choose containers and top dressings that complement colors and furnishings. A porcelain pot filled with bark fits in with traditional interiors. An iron urn filled with black rocks looks stylish in modern rooms.

Sources: Sue Reinertson, National Equipment Co.; Bryan Messmer, Stay Green Silk Plants; Mark Sudermann, Madden-McFarland Interiors