Mountain Mama

Celebrating the Holidays from Off the Grid – Cutting the Perfect Tree

Living off-grid can be quite a challenge sometimes. For me it is well worth it. One of my favorite activities is searching for the perfect tree with my children in the multiple acre backyard. It’s a great tradition which my children have loved.

This year things have been a bit different. With the kids down with colds, I braved the off-road in my friend’s 4×4 to get to get this year’s tree in a perfect little meadow. Dotted with many beautiful baby Doug Firs, we quickly identified the perfect tree and then let the chainsaw roar.

So how do you pick the perfect tree? It is easy to misjudge the size. What looks small in a meadow can really exceed the height of your living room ceiling. So, measure before you go; measure the tree you think will work and then measure again. Try to pick a standalone tree where sunlight has hit it from all sides to assure balance.

Once you found your tree, proceed carefully. You should wear boots and heavy duty work gloves. Try to cut the tree close to the ground to give the stump a chance to re-sprout into a new tree – not always possible, but at least it will give it a good chance. If it does re-sprout, it will take eight to nine years until its ready to be another Christmas tree.

Start your cut parallel to the ground. Work steady and swift. Once the tree starts to lean do not push it over. This will cause the truck to splinter and could peel the bark and make it harder to keep it healthy while it is inside the house. You want to give it opportunity to take in as much water as possible. It is best to have someone hold the tree upright while you cut. You can use a small easy to handle saw, or as we do, use the chainsaw for a very quick cut. Use all safety precautions when using a chainsaw.

Trees can go into shock and drop their needles if they are in extreme opposite climates – a cold meadow to a warm home may cause big problems. So, acclimate the tree for a couple days in your garage or basement or on a covered before bringing it into the house. Another benefit of keeping the tree on the porch for a day or two is to give the critters time to vacate – no one wants spiders or ticks in the house. Once you have the tree inside and in the stand, be sure to check the water often. Make sure the branches are springy and the needles do not fall off when touched.

Have a wonderful holiday season!