You can't decide between a cut Christmas tree and a live (balled-and-burlapped) tree that you will plant outside later? Here are a few ways that live trees differ from cut trees.

Live trees are heavier than cut trees. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, a 6-foot balled-and-burlapped tree can weigh 250 pounds.

Live trees shouldn't stay inside a house longer than a week, says Richard Feist, a local horticulturist, plant breeder and horticulture instructor.

If you decorate live trees with lights, make sure the lights don't give off heat, says the National Christmas Tree Association.

For more information about caring for live and cut trees, visit the National Christmas Tree Association's Web site at www.realchristmastrees.org.