When it comes to holiday decor, a locally harvested Christmas tree is the most ecologically friendly and fiscally responsible way to go. With a little preparation and know-how, cutting your own Christmas tree can be fun and rewarding.

Step 1: Grab a tape measure and determine the optimal height and width for the Christmas tree. Include the obligatory angel or star height into the calculation and note the diameter of the tree stand opening.

Step 2: Bundle up with boots, hats, gloves and waterproof apparel. It could be wet and muddy or downright frigid amongst the pines.

Step 3: Bring a tarp, rope, pruning shears and maybe some hot chocolate and hand warmers, too. Most tree farms will provide a saw, but packing your own is not a bad idea.

Step 4: Choose a tree that does not exceed your height and width requirements. Remember that trees appear smaller in the wild. Check the tree trunk to ascertain it is relatively straight and will fit into the tree stand. Consider branch strength and density for decorating purposes.

Step 5: Have one or two people hold the tree upright to keep it from pinching the saw as the tree is cut.

Chase Phillips, 3, and his father, Craig, of Berryton, search for the perfect Christmas tree Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, at Strawberry Hill Christmas Tree Farm, located just west of Lawrence on U.S. Highway 40.

Step 6: Use the pruners to remove a few branches at the base of the tree and cut a groove across one side of the trunk.

Step 7: Move to the opposite side of the tree and cut through the trunk, meeting up with the initial cut on the other side.

Step 8: Once the tree is cut, shake away any loose needles and transport “O Tannenbaum” to the vehicle.

Step 9: Utilize the tarp to protect the vehicle from potential scratches and sap damage. If you strap the tree to the roof of the vehicle, position the tree so the trunk is facing forward, into the wind.

Step 10: At home, cut an additional quarter inch off the base of the trunk and place the tree into a bucket of clean water.

Step 11: Leave the tree in the water on the porch or in the garage to acclimate it for a day or two before moving it inside.

Step 12: Position the tree away from any heat source and keep the base of the trunk submerged in fresh, clean water throughout the holiday season.

Be sure to recycle the tree once its usefulness has waned.