TYPE OF TREE
All types make beautiful Christmas trees, but most people choose the Scotch Pine, with medium length needles, and a nice variety of fullness to accommodate either large or small ornaments. White Pines have longer and softer needles, which become fuller and softer in a warm home.  Red Pines have even longer needles which are stiffer, and usually have more sparse branches.  The fir and spruce have very short, stiff needles on straight, rather symmetrical branches.

FINDING THE TREE
Before you start, are you dressed for the weather?  If it's wet, do you have something to kneel or lie on when you saw it down? A piece of cardboard is useful.  Wear boots if you have them.  Sometimes tractor lanes get muddy from heavy use. .

If you can't find the right tree, check through the different fields. Every field has its own character just as every tree has its individual characteristics.  Most are traditionally shaped because they've been trimmed regularly, but you'll also see the odd tree that refuses to conform.  These make wonderful Christmas trees too!  Trees often look smaller in the field than they do in the house, especially on their tree stands.

CUTTING THE TREE
If you have brought your own saw, use it if you'd like but you may borrow ours, which have large offset teeth especially designed for cutting trees.  If you need help sawing, call a worker over to assist you -- tractor drivers have saws and can also give or summon help.  All workers will be wearing red scarves.

Cut low to the ground and straight across.  You can always trim off the lower branches -- leave yourself enough trunk to fit in the tree stand.  If you can, have someone pull the tree slightly away from the side where you're cutting.  This will prevent the saw from binding and make the work much easier.

CARRYING THE TREE
Don't drag it through mud of course, but if the ground is frozen or clean it won't harm your tree to drag it butt end first.  Take it to the nearest lane and wait for the next wagon which will take you to the shaker and baler.  If you need help, ask workers.

TYING IT ON / PUTTING IT IN
Shaking will knock any loose needles off and baling will package the tree in a tight net bundle that may fit in your van, trunk, or truck bed but might have to go on top.  If you have an old blanket, lay it out before you put the tree on.  Aim the butt end forward so branches don't catch the wind, and tie it securely so it can't move freely in any direction  If you have a luggage rack, tying it twice to each side should do.  Some people rope through the car doors (or windows, if you don't need to open your doors).  It's often a good idea to run a rope or two to the front and one to the back of the automobile.  A piece of cardboard is nice to kneel on if you plan to tie the rope under your vehicle! Ask our friendly workers for help if you want it.

WARMING UP
Have some coffee or cocoa in the warming house.  Feed the chickens and take a family photo on the old fashioned sleigh. You might want to purchase some snacks for the ride home or even buy some crafts.

ONCE HOME
If you don't put your tree up right away, keep it in a bucket of water in a cool place, then saw a thin slice off the base before putting it in the tree stand.  For easiest handling, leave the netting on your tree until it's in the stand.  Then cut the strings and the tree will take its natural shape.  Keep it watered; it will soak up quite a lot of water the first few days!

SURPRISES
You may be surprised how much better a tree looks when you've cut it yourself, and how much longer they stay fresh.  You may like to know that no chemicals have ever been applied to our trees.  If you hear a faint cracking noise when the house is quiet, it's pine cones opening in the warmth of your room.  Because they are so fresh, you may find some sap on the trunk or on a broken or freshly cut branch.

AFTER THE SEASON IS OVER
Ask your local authorities what arrangements are available for recycling Christmas trees.

Thanks very much and have a great outing!