Oh, Christmas Tree

This Christmas we began a new tradition: chopping down a Christmas tree from our very own cedar grove.  The cedar grove was a recent discovery on our property, and in some ways, an unwanted one. Cedar trees, lovely though they are, are dime a dozen in the Ozarks.  They sprout up along fence lines and edges of clearings faster than Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve, and if not properly managed, the cedars will happily crowd out any open space. 

This seemed to be their intention on the slope beyond our pond, where the field meets the woods.  The cedars that had sprouted up there a few years ago had quickly formed this grove, and by all appearances, were planning to take over the world.  Whoops! Should have been paying more attention.  Cedars are sneaky.  It was time to tackle the issue before they conquered our pasture (and the universe as a whole).  Since Christmas is not far away, we decided we would attempt to stop the invasion by choosing one of the best specimens as our Christmas tree.

With our minds made up, we bundled up, grabbed the machete (and the chainsaw for backup), and headed off toward the cedar grove.  Our excitement grew as we approached our destination...

Will was the most excited of our trio.  He was thoroughly enjoying the adventure and would have willingly chopped down every tree he came to had I let him.  Focus, Will, it's all about focus.

Here, watch your dad.  See how composed he is?  He's excited, he really is.  He just hides it well. 

On second thought, go ahead and go crazy.  It's Christmas.  And you're a kid...with a machete in hand.  Okay, let's go back to focusing.  It's safer.

Alrighty here we are.  Time to pick a tree...hmm.  This one might be a teensy bit too small.

But how about this one?  Yeah, you're right.  Too tall.

And this one is a little too sideways.  Odd.  There are so many interesting things to see in the woods.

Ooh, look at this!  It's beautiful!  Maybe too beautiful.  No, I can't do it.  It's too pretty to cut down, and I like where it's growing.  Shoot.  But we're getting closer.

Wait a second, here's one that looks promising.  Let me get a closer look.

Eureka!  I found it!  Hey Will...Will!...Will?  Where are you?!

Honey, that one might be a little too big.  And it's not a cedar.

I think we'll add tree identification to our lessons this week.  It's good to know what you're looking for.
Like this...

These two trees are both in good shape, but they're growing too close together.  One of them needs to go.  Look at that front one.  It's got a really nice form, good color, and healthy branches.  It's perfect for a Christmas tree!

Now we need to figure out how to cut it.  Hacking it down with the machete would be fun, but the prickly branches on this one go completely to the ground.  That means we probably should use the chainsaw to get in close and quickly cut the trunk.

Good thing we brought along our own personal lumberjack.

And his apprentice.  It's nice to have somebody steady the tree as it comes down. 

As long as they don't get hung up in the branches, which can happen when you forget to yell "Timmberrr!"

But he's okay.

After we untangled Will from the tree, something miraculous happened.  The tree grew legs and walked itself home.

If only.  

But the next best thing is having my husband carry it home.  See why I bring him along on these adventures? 

We arrived back home, found the tree stand, and set the tree up.  After a tiny bit of pruning, we were ready to decorate.

Ta-da!  Here's our finished product.  I think it's beautiful.  And I love being able to turn a problem into a blessing.   This cedar, if left to grow in our field, would surely have become a nuisance.  It had sprung up near the edge of our pathway to the pond and was rapidly expanding.  The tree definitely needed to go, and by removing it now, we could give it a final, celebratory send-off.  For a few days, it will stand in a place of honor, all gussied up and being admired by all.  

It's recycling and repurposing at its best, and I think it's a wonderful way to enjoy "the most wonderful time of the year".

And if by our efforts we just happened to save our property, the world, and you from a highly organized, covert cedar invasion, so be it.  Let there be peace on earth.

You're welcome.