Cut your own Christmas tree: seasonal magic with bells on
Your Christmas tree is a beautiful seasonal centrepiece. To make it something you’re even more proud of, why not see if you can cut your own?
28.06.2021
Where to cut your own Christmas tree
The woods are a no-go
There’s no question about it: you absolutely cannot head for the woods with an axe to cut your own Christmas tree – it’s not permitted and you could be prosecuted for theft, along with any number of other offences such as trespassing, criminal damage, breaching the peace... That would certainly take the shine off the most wonderful time of the year. Remember that forests are privately owned spaces and treat them accordingly.
Find a Christmas tree farm near you
You don’t need to forgo the magic of heaving home a Christmas tree that’s been cut with your own hard work though, thanks to a number of Christmas tree farms around the country. Find out if you have one in your area. You’ll probably find that you don’t even need to make an appointment to cut your own Christmas tree – just turn up with your own tools during their opening hours. With just a little bit of imagination you can feel like a real woodsman in a forest of firs!
Why cut your own Christmas tree
Every year it rolls around: time to start thinking about a Christmas tree. Maybe you want something grand for your hallway; or a compact tree to grace a bay window; or maybe you are very particular about how bushy it needs to be. When you visit the usual sellers it’s often hard to find exactly what you’re looking for, meaning you have to compromise or come home empty-handed. Wouldn’t it be best if you could cut your own fir? At a Christmas tree farm, you can take your time to choose the one.
STIHL professional tip: To ensure that your Christmas tree fits perfectly in its stand, measure the opening of the stand and then take a measuring tape to the Christmas tree farm to measure the trunk and check it will be just right.
Do you often find that your tree has already shed a lot of needles by Christmas day? That is often because ready-cut Christmas trees have been stored for too long before they are sold. When you cut your own Christmas tree you know exactly how fresh it is.
Christmas is a time for special family experiences, and the magic of choosing and cutting a tree together is not to be missed. From exploring the farm so you can select just the right fir, to cutting it down together and then bringing it home with you – it’s a Christmas experience that’s second to none.
Make sure that Christmas is nothing but merry by taking note of our safety tips below when you cut your own Christmas tree.
Magical Christmas memories are priceless – but the perfect Christmas tree doesn’t need to be expensive, and if you cut your own Christmas tree you’ll usually get better value for money. Just like the Christmas tree sellers elsewhere, farms will generally set pricing based on the size and type of tree (firs are generally pricier than spruces) – and you will find that tree you cut yourself is more fragrant and always fresher than one that has been harvested well in advance. And because you do some of the work yourself, the farm will usually offer a discount on the price. Remember to account for any travel costs to get to your nearest Christmas tree farm though.
How cut your own Christmas tree
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How to cut your own Christmas tree
- Before you start work, give the tree a good shake to dislodge any loose needles and snow.
- Don’t go solo to cut your Christmas tree: take help, as one person needs to hold the trunk somewhere in the top third to keep the tree steady.
- ·As you work, the chainsaw bar or axe blade should be angled downwards.
- With the tree cut and on the ground, trim the base of trunk so that it will fit in your tree stand.
STIHL professional tip: If you have a tree stand that you can fill with water, add a spoonful of sugar to the water as well – this will keep your cut Christmas tree fresh for longer.
Cut your own Christmas tree: safety considerations
Cutting your own Christmas tree is fun for the whole family, but safety should always be paramount. When working with a chainsaw, you need to wear cut protection trousers and shoes, work gloves, and glasses to protect your eyes from wood shavings. Ear protection is not required with cordless chainsaws.
When sawing, make sure that your companions keep their distance, particularly if you have children with you. Choose a weekend or day off to cut your own Christmas tree – you must always work during the day while it is still light, as the risk of injury increases considerably when it’s darker.
Summary: cut your own Christmas tree
- Only cut your own Christmas tree where it is permitted to do so
- The best way to cut a Christmas tree is with a cordless chainsaw or an axe – check what is allowed at the farm before you go
- Never cut a Christmas tree alone – a second person should be there to hold the tree
- When you cut your own Christmas tree, the guide bar or axe should be angled towards the ground
- Only ever cut a Christmas tree in good light: the risk of injury increases in dark conditions
