Once Again, I Encourage You to Go Into a National Forest to Cut Down a Christmas Tree (but Legally).
Any aspiring logger knows that in most cases it is illegal to enter a national forest to cut down a tree. This month, however, the USDA is all for it—as long as you get a Forest Service permit first .
Cutting down your own tree on federal land isn’t just legal—it’s actually a pretty affordable and ethical way to purchase a Christmas tree. However, there are certain rules that must be followed to avoid conflict with the Forest Service. So before you grab an ax and head into the woods this holiday season, here’s what you need to know about the USDA’s tree removal permit program.
Why it’s worth cutting down your own tree from a national forest (besides the fact that it’s very cheap)
According to Recreation.gov , cutting down and cutting down your own holiday tree promotes good overall forest health. Through the permitting program, you will help thin out densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Removing trees already designated for removal by the Forest Service allows other trees to grow larger and stronger. Plus, you’ll get the pride and satisfaction of cutting down the perfect Christmas tree for your home. It’s a real win-win.
But let’s say you don’t care about the environment. I mean, we’re talking about Christmas. It all depends on your needs and experience. As the Recreation.gov team explained to me, cutting down a holiday tree is not only a way to help maintain healthy forests, but also a special tradition that can be shared with families and friends to create a memorable holiday experience. For many families, going into the woods to trim a Christmas tree during the holidays is a cherished tradition passed down from generation to generation. It’s also much cheaper than buying it from a tree lot.
How to Cut Your Own Tree from a National Forest
The USDA Forest Service sells Christmas tree permits through Recreation.gov . Prices range from $5 to $20, depending on the location of the forest. To purchase a permit in advance and find a local participating forest, use this site , which also provides guidelines for permitted logging sites that you will need to review before you start logging.
In three simple steps, you can begin your search and bring home your “government Christmas tree.”
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Choose your forest . Determine which participating forest is best for your Christmas tree. Each forest will have its own specific rules and seasonal dates for cutting down the holiday tree.
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Be safe and prepared. Please read the details and rules of the applicable permit carefully and consider the suggestions you need to know to prepare for your visit.
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Buy a permit. Before heading into the woods, purchase and print a permit.
Tips for pruning your own tree
I spoke with the team at Recreation.gov to get some additional tips for families who want to prepare for their Christmas tree cutting adventure.
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Measure the space in your home so you can choose the right size tree when you’re out in the woods. (Don’t think you can see this by eye, or you’ll end up in a Griswold situation .)
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Check road and forest conditions and prepare for severe weather.
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Before cutting down trees, make sure you are in a designated area and follow all regulations for areas where tree cutting is permitted. Avoid visiting private property.
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Select a tree in a crowded stand to thin it out.
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Cut the tree close to the ground. The stump you leave behind should be about 6 inches tall.
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Bring rope and a tarp to move the tree from the felling site to your vehicle.
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Attach the tree to your car so it stays in place until you drive home.
What else do you need to know
Christmas tree permit sales dates may vary by national forest. Recreation.gov recommends families check local forest regulations to gather all the information before purchasing and make sure they are prepared. Every year a new permit is required to cut your own Christmas tree.
Once again: only trees located in designated and approved areas in the forest can be cut down. This permit program is administered by the USDA Forest Service, which is not the same as US national parks. If you’re not sure whether you’re allowed to catch a tree in a particular location, visit this page on Recreation.gov and enter the name of your state or the name of the forest you have in mind.