Cutting the Bottom of Your Christmas Tree

Once upon a time, before my body was old and decrepit, we used to all go out together to find that perfect Christmas tree at our local Christmas tree farm. We would take turns cutting away at the trunk of the tree so that we could bring it home and marvel at the aroma and beauty in our home. Instinctively, my husband always knew to inflict a fresh cut on the bottom of the tree before bringing it in the house to decorate. I never really understood the purpose of doing this, but now I know. He was making sure that the first drink of water for our little Christmas tree was a successful one and it would live the rest of its life to the fullest. This article is dedicated to tips for cutting the bottom of your new Christmas tree. You can find decent Christmas trees at farmer’s markets, home improvement stores or road-side tree markets. The best place to find a really good looking Christmas tree, is by cutting one down yourself at your local Christmas tree farm. By cutting one down yourself, you can create great memories with your family while you argue back and forth about which tree is the best. Hint: A freshly cut Christmas tree will typically last longer than one that has been cut and hanging out while waiting for a new home. How to pick the best Christmas tree is another story (note to self: get started on that one). If you desire to cut your own fresh Christmas tree instead of having an artificial one, here are a few suggestions to get you started.

1. Pick out a Christmas tree that all the family agrees is the perfect one. Settling this argument before sacrificing a tree will create a more harmonious Christmas. Make sure it is the right height and width for your Christmas tree area at home.

2. It is best to lie on the ground while cutting the tree with a handsaw as close to the ground as you can. Don’t get too dressed up to do this, because you may be getting a little dirty. Take turns with family members that are of appropriate age while sawing the tree, creating memories for all.

3. We always picked up the Christmas tree at both ends so as not to drag the ground. If you’re unable to carry your tree to the car, ask for help from the seller. I’m sure they will be glad to help.

4. The Christmas tree farm we always visited had a shaker machine that shakes the loose needles from the tree. After that, they bound the tree with a mesh material so that it can be transported without taking flight from the top of your car.

5. Once you get home, make arrangements for the placement of the tree in your living area.

6. When you’re ready to move the tree, look on top of the car to make sure your Christmas tree is still there. If it is, great, you’re ready to make a fresh cut on the bottom of the tree to prolong the life of the tree.

7. Prop up the trunk of the Christmas tree onto a stable place. A saw horse would be great, if you don’t have one find something else that is stable. Try placing an old towel under the trunk to keep it stable while you cut at least one inch off the bottom of the Christmas tree. Doing this will ensure a longer life for the Christmas Tree by allowing the tree a fresh cut to drink up all the water it wants.

8. Place your Christmas tree in the tree holder of your choice. Make sure the tree is straight and stable. Fill the tree holder full of water, and then decorate the tree. Make absolutely sure that someone checks the water everyday and that your Christmas tree has plenty to drink and does not dry out. Plenty of water will prolong the life of the tree and reduce the chances of a fire.

Times are hard these days and it’s so easy to grab that artificial tree that’s been hiding in the spare bedroom, fully decorated from last year. But it does the heart good to share the experience of cutting a fresh Christmas tree and doing it together as a family, not to mention the aroma of fresh pine flowing through the house.