It is generally illegal to cut down a tree in a national forest. This month, however, the USDA is all for it—as long as you get The permit is first issued by the Forest Service. IIn fact, cutting down your own tree on federal land is a fairly affordable and ethical way to source a Christmas tree. The only catch is that you have to follow certain rules, which may vary from forest to forest.
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 you should cut down your own tree from a national forest.
What's cool is that getting a permit to cut down trees isn't just allowed—it's encouraged. Logging and harvesting your own holiday tree promotes overall good forest health. Through this permission programYou 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. your needs and experience. Well then: cutting down a holiday tree not only helps maintain a healthy forest, but it is 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. And best of all: it can be 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 sitewhich also provides guidelines for acceptable cutting areas that you will need to review before you begin shredding.
In three simple steps, you can begin your search and bring home your very own Christmas tree:
What are your thoughts so far?
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Choose your forest. Determine which participating forest best for a Christmas tree walk. 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 cutting your own Christmas 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 it, or you will find yourself 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
Once again: You can only cut down trees located in allocated and approved areas in the forest. This permit program is administered by the USDA Forest Service, which not the same like US national parks. If you are unsure whether you are allowed to cling to a tree in a certain location, visit this page and enter the name of your state or the name of the forest you have in mind.
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.
