CHOOSE & CUT:

At an elevation of 3000', come dressed for a temperature drop of approximately 10 degrees from the lowlands. Closed shoes and boots with grip are a must!
WHOLESALE:
Consider transporting un-bundled trees in a horse trailer, box truck/trailer, or flatbed/trailer along with tie downs instead of renting a baler. It is worth noting that your retail tree customers will want to see the selection of trees in their natural state, un-bundled, before buying.
KEEPING YOUR REAL CHRISTMAS TREE FRESH:
A freshly cut tree will easily last 3-4 weeks with good care. Beyond this window of time, expect needle shed as part of the tree's normal life cycle.
Good care of your freshly cut real tree:
* Tree species affects longevity. Select a long or medium needled tree (White Pine, Concolor Fir, etc) that generally stays fresh longer than a short needled tree (Norways Spruce, Canaan Fir, Frasier Fir, Blue Spruce, etc.).
* Make a second fresh cut slice from the trunk right before placing the tree in the water well of your tree stand. This rids the tree of the immediate sap "callous" formed during the initial cutting allowing free absorption of water.
* Keep the water well in the tree stand FULL throughout the season. Your freshly cut tree will absorb a great deal of water within the first 24 hours of cutting.
* Place your tree in a cool room and away from all heat sources.
* Consider water additives available from retailers.