How to Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree

If you are like me and you have had an artificial tree for so many years at Christmas, then you have no idea on how to cut down your own live Christmas tree. So many years I have wanted a live tree for the smell and the realistic look that I finally got the information on how to do so a couple years ago and started taking my family out to the local Christmas tree farm to cut down our own tree. If you are looking to increase your knowledge this year on how to cut down your own Christmas tree, then look no further and keep on reading!

Tools Needed:
Blankets (old would be great, or even old sheets would work too)
Measuring Tape
Ropes or Cord Bungees
Tarp
Chain-Saw Or Hand Saw
Gloves
Neon Colored Flag (2)
Level

Directions:
1 First decide if your area has a local tree farm and if not then check your local forestry department on the rules and regulations on cutting down trees. If you are going to a local forest, you may be required to have a permit for cutting down the tree. Make sure you have all the information you will need before heading out to the forest that you will want to cut the tree down from. If you are going to a local Christmas tree farm, check with them on the tools you will need. Some places will require you to bring your own saw and ropes, other will provide the items you will need for a small fee or perhaps even provide them to you free of charge.

2. Decide where you want your tree to be and then measure the height of the room from floor to ceiling. Once you have your measurement taken, knock off about a foot from that total to make sure you will have enough room to add the angel or star on top of the tree. You will not want to have to cut the tree anymore once you bring it into the room.

3. Head down to the place where you are going to cut your Christmas tree with all the tools that I have listed above.

4. Make sure you find a tree at the lot that is no more then 6 inches in diameter. You want this tree to fit into the Christmas tree stand at home!

5. Once you have found the right tree use the measuring tape to measure 6 inches up from the bottom of the tree. Mark all the way around the trunk of the tree at the 6 inch mark with a dark black marker. Make sure your line is straight! You can also tie a rope around the trunk, 6 inches up, to make that line.

6. Cut the tree at this line.

7. Once you have the tree cut down, lets cut the bottom of the tree now to make it even. Lay the tree flat on the ground. If possible place the tree trunk end on a steady flat surface so you will not move the tree to much. Cut a straight line around the trunk, about an inch off, no more then 2 inches. Take your time to make this cut as straight as you possibly can. It will need to be even so the tree can stand even. Check with a level.

8. From the bottom of the tree, make sure there is not limbs. Cut any limbs off that are from the bottom of the tree to at least a foot and half to two feet up. You want to allow room for the presents to fit underneath.

9. Stand the tree up and cut off the top of the tree if there is anything taller then 3 to 5 inches. Note this will be your final cutting. Make sure you have all your cutting done with before taking the tree home. This way you won't have to worry about any clean-up at your house.

10. Now with the tree standing tall, tie the tree up with rope from the top to the bottom. Place the old blankets or sheets on top of the car and lay the tied up tree on top of the blankets and then tie the tree with the remaining rope through the windows and around the tree.

11. Place one flag at each end, in case you are driving home in the dark, people will know they should stay back from your car in case the tree shifts off.

Now you have the instructions how to cut your tree down. All you need to do is go home, place it in the stand with fresh water and decorate it! Enjoy and Merry Christmas!