How to Cut Your Own Xmas Trees
- 1). Select a tree size according to your cutting permit. Most forestry permits for Christmas tree cutting restrict the harvesting of trees to those that have trunk diameters of 6 inches or less. Select a tree that has a straight growth pattern and displays branches evenly along its trunk. Also look for a tree that grows in the open, away from clusters of trees; clustered trees offer limited space for cutting and harvesting.
- 2). Examine the tree from all angles to determine the direction of lean, or the side that the tree seems to lean toward; this is the area where the tree is most likely to fall. Make sure that this side has sufficient space to accommodate the falling tree. Avoid cutting a tree that looks like it will fall into other trees or on top of downed timber that can catch the limbs and complicate the removal process.
- 3). Remove any snow or vegetation near the bottom of the trunk.
- 4). Use your handsaw or limb loppers to prune away the bottom branches; trim the lowest branches, or those that cover the bottom 2 feet of the trunk, flush with the surface of the trunk.
- 5). Position your saw no more than 6 inches from the surface of the soil on the side of the tree opposite its lean.
- 6). Saw the trunk off. As your saw moves past the center of the trunk, begin pushing the upper portion of the tree away from you, encouraging it to fall in the direction of lean.
- 7). Secure the tree's limbs against the trunk by circling a rope from the top of the tree to the bottom or place the entire tree in a Christmas tree bag.
- 8). Remove the entire cut tree to your home property before trimming off any overgrown boughs, broken limbs and excess trunk length.
