MALCOLM RITTER, AP Science Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Christmas Day is past but another Yuletide tradition continues: cleaning up the needles that are falling off your Christmas tree.

Scientists are working to help by finding trees that hang on to their needles. Even within a given species, some trees do better than others. That trait is inherited. Researchers are working to find top-performing trees so their seed can be used for future generations.

Beyond that, scientists are looking for genetic markers of good needle retention, which might help breed better trees.

For now, experts say the best thing you can do to hold down that needle shedding is to keep your tree well-watered.