What netting is
After you cut your tree, many farms run it through a baler: a funnel that the tree is pulled through, wrapping it in a tube of plastic mesh. The netting folds the branches up against the trunk, turning a wide tree into a narrow bundle.
Why it helps
- The tree is much easier to carry and to lift onto a car
- It fits through doorways and up stairs without scraping
- Branches are protected from wind damage on the drive home
- Straps hold a narrow bundle more securely
Many farms also shake the tree first, using a machine that knocks loose any dead needles before netting. Netting is often included in the price, so ask when you pay.
Taking the netting off
Set the tree in its stand and fill it with water first. Then, starting at the bottom, carefully cut the netting with scissors, pulling it away from the tree as you go so you don’t snip branches. Give the branches a few hours, or overnight, to drop back into shape before you decorate.
Getting the tree back out
After the holidays, wrapping the tree in an old sheet or a tree removal bag keeps needles off the floor on the way out. Most recycling programs don’t take plastic netting, so check tree recycling before you set the tree out.