How much do you really know about Christmas trees and their grand North American tradition? Take this Christmas tree quiz and find out. The quiz is not designed to be easy but don't let that put you off. Pay attention to the correct answers and you will be much more aware of the Christmas tree tradition plus you will learn a lot about the symbol's history and the industry that grows the tree.

Another interesting Christmas tree identification quiz can be found at Merry-Christmas.com where it is Christmas all year round. You will get into the holiday spirit as you explore all aspects of celebrating Christmas in the United States.

Fraser Fir Christmas Tree Farm - North Carolina - Photo by Steve Nix

The weekend after Thanksgiving is traditionally when most Christmas tree buying occurs but you should really consider shopping for and buy a Christmas tree a bit earlier. Early shopping will pay off with less competition for higher quality Christmas tree selections and ultimately result in a fresher holiday tree through the season.

You should consider mid-November a time to plan and follow through on your Christmas tree purchase. Many Christmas trees are already cut by mid-November but are not purchased until after Thanksgiving. You are just as well off to buy the tree early and prepare it for optimum freshness over the rest of the season. You should not consider yourself getting a fresher tree by purchasing later.

Potted Christmas Tree - Getty Images

Children, grand-children and relatives are abusing their pensioner family members at alarming rates according to state departments of pension and security. These tough economic times provide incentives to tap alternate and easy sources of revenue, including timberland and farm property. Relatives can start by borrowing Uncle Ernie's gas money and end up spending his entire savings and selling his timber.

Here is a discussion on what things concerned friends and associates can do to protect an elderly family member or friend. From that discussion, I have developed this short list of things to do to avoid the loss of forest and timberland assets:

• Find a dependable professional "trustee" (forester or consultant) to accompany owner to the property on a regular basis.
• Give "power of attorney" only to someone who can manage his own money well and is trustworthy. Consider appointing two.
• Develop a friendly relationship with the surrounding neighbors and keep in touch.
• Join a woodland owner's association, study their publications, attend short courses and stay involved.
• Ask your state forestry representative or state extension agent to visit the forest land with you on an annual basis. That's their job.

Voters have determined their top Christmas tree pick for this Christmas season. Forestry at About.com provides that vote for most preferred Christmas tree species commonly available for purchase in the United States. The current winner is Fraser fir (see photo of North Carolina Fraser fir Christmas tree farm at top) but you can change or support this by casting your vote. In second place comes Doug fir, followed by balsam fir and Colorado blue spruce.

• Top Ten Christmas Trees Sold in North America

Also, here are links to more Christmas tree information - Growing and Buying Christmas Trees

Fraser Fir Christmas Tree Farm in North Carolina - Photo by Steve Nix, Licensed to About.com

The Allegheny chinkapin, also called common chinkapin, may well be our most ignored and undervalued, native North American nut tree. It has been widely hailed as a sweet and edible nut and adds value to it's chestnut cousin and the American chestnut's breeding programs.

I found a chinquapin (variation on the name) on my favorite deer hunting property and know it attracts wildlife. Since the chinkapin is adapted to a wide range of soils and site conditions, it should be considered a preferred species for its wildlife value. The nuts are eaten by a number of small mammals such as squirrels, rabbits, deermice, and chipmunks. Humans are fast becoming major consumers.

• An American Chestnut Comeback - What Happened?

Chinkapin Nuts in Bur - Photo by Steve Nix, Licensed to About.com

The Greatest Good is an online free video podcast, also offered in high quality DVD, with a companion book that documents a photographic history of forestry in the United States. The series, provided online by the Southern Regional Extension service, celebrates the first centennial year of the Society of American Foresters. The title is taken from "the greatest good", is a quote from first national forester Gifford Pinchot describing his management philosophy of the Nation's newly acquired National Forests.

More information about the video:

• A Forest Service Centennial Film
• SREF's Greatest Good Podcast Collection

The Greatest Good Companion Cover, The Society of American Foresters

Tree stump removal without a grinder is hard work says About Landscaping Guide David Beaulieu. "It's not something you'd want to tackle on a hot and humid day." The fall of the year is a perfect time of year for tree stump removal. But David also says "you'll still want to work smarter, not harder, so first consult these tips on tree stump removal."

Q: What part of the tree contributes the most to its density?

My son is doing a science fair project comparing the thermal energy (BTU's) of several species of tree wood that we have collected from around the farm. He will have to describe the trunk anatomy and make a hypothesis as to why some species produce more BTU's than others. Is there a direct correlation between density and stored thermal energy? - Robin

A: Here are several places for him to start. Pick up some key words using these brief reports to find much more info on the physics of heating with wood. Google the terms you are not familiar with.

• http://forestry.about.com/od/firewood/a/firewood_chart.htm
• http://forestry.about.com/od/firewood/Using_a_Forest_for_Firewood.htm

You are right that every species has its own unique thermal energy potential (BTUs). Usually the harder the wood, the higher the usable energy potential mainly because of more wood per unit volume. But you can't discount other very important factors like green vs. seasoned efficiency and the effects of "coaling" which prolongs heat release in wood burning systems. - SN

Mud bogging, also known as mud racing, mud running, mud drags, or simply muddin' is a growing and popular off-road motorsport. The goal is to drive a four-wheel drive vehicle through a stretch of mud for competition or just for fun. Doing it with abandon can have major negative impacts on forests and often illegal.

If you just have to test your vehicle in a forest or field, please abide by these guidelines. Not respecting the property you are using will eventually keep you from enjoying the sport. Please review my guidelines.

Illegal Mud Bogging on National Forestland - USFS Photo

Field and Stream often does a chainsaw review based on satisfying "every outdoorsman's wood-cutting needs". F&S has again compared major saws in the latest October magazine issue and I totally agree with the quality of the manufacturer's product and serviceability. You might want to rethink purchasing the exact reviewed model but I think you will be satisfied by sticking with any of these companies.

The review focuses on mid to high priced chainsaws made by Craftsman, Echo, Husqvarna, Makita and Stihl and lists each model's "hits" and "misses". I recommend the article a must read if you are considering purchasing a saw and have a certified local dealer. I also recommend you only consider these exact models if you are a frequent chainsaw user. Most forest owners and outdoorsmen can easily get by using a model with a bit less power, weight and cost.

More chainsaw information:

• An Purchasing and Maintaining a Chainsaw
• Great Small Chainsaws