Choosing and cutting your own Christmas tree offers a satisfying connection to a holiday tradition. This hands-on activity requires thoughtful preparation, adherence to safety protocols, and proper post-cutting care. Successfully harvesting a tree ensures its freshness lasts through the season. This guide outlines the necessary steps for a successful field-to-living-room journey.
Preparing for the Trip and Selecting the Right Tree
Before leaving home, gather necessary gear: a sharp hand saw, heavy-duty gloves, and a tape measure. Dressing in layers is recommended, as field conditions are often cold and wet, despite the physical activity. Call the farm ahead of time to confirm operating hours, check for specific rules, and inquire about netting or specialized equipment.
Upon arrival, understand the farm’s specific tag system, which often dictates the price or variety of trees available. Use a tape measure to determine the height and width of the space where the tree will stand at home. Remember to account for the stand and the topper. Subtracting about six inches from the room height prevents the tree from grazing the ceiling.
The selection process focuses on identifying a healthy specimen that meets your size requirements. Look for a tree with a rich, uniform green color and needles that are supple and firmly attached. Gently running a hand along a branch is a simple test. Excessive needle drop, or shattering, suggests the tree is already dehydrated and will not retain moisture well.
Examine the trunk for straightness and ensure the tree’s overall shape is symmetrical. Rotate around the entire specimen before making a final decision. Check that the trunk flares out evenly toward the base, as an unevenly grown tree may be difficult to stabilize later. Once selected, secure the designated tag near the base of the trunk as required by the farm.
Felling the Tree Safely
Safety is a primary concern when handling a saw and managing the tree’s descent. Before making the first cut, clear the area surrounding the base of any debris, tools, or branches. This prevents impeding your stance or the saw’s movement. Establishing a clear escape path is also necessary, ensuring you can quickly step away once the tree begins to fall.
Determine the tree’s natural lean and which way it should fall. Ideally, it should drop into an open space away from other trees or obstacles. The person felling the tree should stand on the side opposite the intended direction of the fall to maintain safety and control. A partner should remain a safe distance away, ready to warn others, but not close enough to be struck by the falling tree.
The cut should be performed as close to the ground as possible, leaving only a short stump remaining. A low cut maximizes the length of the trunk available for securing the tree in a stand at home. Use a sharp bow saw or specialized Christmas tree saw. Begin the cut by pushing the blade and allowing the teeth to do the work, using long, steady strokes.
Maintain a level cut all the way through the trunk to ensure the base remains flat and the tree stands straight. As the cut nears completion, the tree will start to lean and may begin to pinch the saw blade. At this point, increase the speed of your strokes. Be prepared to quickly step back along your predetermined escape route.
Once the tree begins its descent, immediately remove the saw and move away from the falling path. This avoids injury from the trunk or rebounding branches. Never attempt to stop or guide the tree once it has passed its tipping point. After the tree is on the ground, check the base of the trunk for any splits or damage that might compromise its stability.
Transporting the Tree and Initial Home Care
After felling the tree, drag it out of the field to the staging area. Handle the tree by the trunk, dragging it with the cut end leading. This prevents damage to the lower branches and minimizes needle loss. Many farms offer netting or baling services, which compress the branches tightly, making the tree easier to carry and secure for transportation.
Securing the tree to your vehicle requires careful attention to avoid damage and ensure safety on the road. If transporting on a roof rack, the trunk end should face the front of the vehicle. This minimizes wind shear and damage to the branches at highway speeds. Use strong rope or ratchet straps, securing the tree at multiple points along the trunk and the roof rack.
If the tree is secured to the roof, ropes should ideally be looped around the rack itself, passing through doors or windows only if necessary. For trucks or open trailers, lay the tree flat and secure it tightly to the bed, ensuring no part overhangs excessively. Always perform a final check by pulling firmly on the tree to confirm it is completely stable before driving.
Upon arriving home, hydration is the most important factor in maintaining freshness. Since the initial cut, the tree sealed its vascular system (xylem) with sap. A fresh cut is required to reopen the channels that draw water up the trunk. Use a handsaw to remove a thin, horizontal slice, approximately one inch thick, from the very bottom of the trunk.
This fresh cut must be made just before placing the tree in its stand. It should be done horizontally to maximize the surface area for water absorption. Immediately place the tree into a stand that holds at least one gallon of water. Ensure the water level never drops below the base of the trunk, as a freshly cut tree can drink several quarts in the first 24 hours.