A handle is the lower trunk cleared of limbs. 1) For the customer to easily find a tree with a straight trunk. 2) For the customer or ourselves to easily cut down a tree 3) For the tree’s growth hormones to be forced into the upper body of the tree which will cause more branching,density, and getting to height quicker 4) For keeping the cover grasses that might compete for nutrients under control 5) For easier “interplanting” of tender baby trees with just the right amount of sun and shade from adult trees and 6) For aiding in getting limbs and stumps out of the field (THANK YOU Caughdenoy Boys Scout Troop!)