1. Ideally, the leaves of the lulav should cleave to one another and point upwards. All the leaves should be green, and none should be split.

2. Even more exacting laws relate to the center leaf that extends uppermost along the lulav's spine: ideally, this leaf should not be split, and if it is, one should ask a Rabbinic authority about it.

3. If a lulav is so dry that its leaves have lost their color and have gone from green to white, then it is invalid.

4. If most of the tips of the lulav leaves are broken or if they have been cut off, then the lulav is invalid.

5. Ideally, the lulav should be straight. If it curves to the sides or forward (away from the one who is holding it properly); if the leaves are coming apart and are pointing downward; or if the leaves are split - then one should consult with a Rabbinic authority.

6. The spine of a lulav should be at least four handbreadths high (anywhere from 13-16 inches in length), and when the four species are held together, the spine should extend one handbreath above the myrtle twigs and willow branches.