How to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Legally—Hint: You Need a Permit

Get an almost-free permit from the U.S. Forest Service and help maintain good forest health.

While many Christmas tree owners have switched to artificial trees, according to a Rocket Homes survey, 32.6% still opt for real living trees. From the process of picking out the tree to the fresh scent it brings to the house, real trees can provide a family tradition that's hard to give up. Unfortunately, it can be costly to purchase a real Christmas tree.

Some Christmas movies may have you believe you can go to a woodsy area and cut down your own Christmas tree for free (like when Buddy the Elf cut down a tree in Central Park). But in real life, that's illegal. The good news is that there is a government-approved way to cut down a Christmas tree—and save a significant amount of money. Keep reading to learn how Christmas tree permits can help your family traditions stay alive and reduce holiday spending.

How Much Cutting Your Own Tree Costs

Though real trees can bring magical Christmas memories for your family, what's not so romantic about buying one is the price. According to data from the National Christmas Tree Association, the median price of a real Christmas tree in 2022 was $80. You can shave down that price a little bit by going to a cut-your-own tree farm, but it can still be a pricey endeavor.

However, a Christmas tree permit allows you to cut down a tree from a participating forest for just the price of the permit. The U.S. Forest Service sells Christmas tree permits online, with prices ranging from $5 to $20. (That price could save you as much as $80 per tree or more, depending on the size of tree you would normally buy at a farm or lot.)

How to Get a Christmas Tree Permit

Acquiring a Christmas tree permit is a simple process, but the date for purchasing permits and cutting trees varies by forest. Most begin selling permits in November. To look for and purchase a Christmas tree permit, follow these steps.

Step 1: Find a Participating Forest

Head to recreation.gov and use their map or search function to find a participating forest near you. Every forest has different guidelines and specified dates for cutting a Christmas tree.

It's important to note that not all states have participating forests, and most locations are in the Western United States. However, if you live in this region, you're in luck because some states (like California and Idaho) have as many as 10 or more participating forests spread throughout the border lines.

Step 2: Prepare for Your Visit

Carefully read through each forest's guidelines and permit regulations. Each has stipulations regarding the price per tree, the maximum number of trees you can sign up to cut down, and the maximum tree and stump height of the trees you can cut down and take with you.

The website also shares guidelines for choosing and cutting your tree, plus planning your trip to the forest.

Step 3: Purchase Your Permit

Finalize the purchase of your Christmas tree permit. As the site states, you must also print and bring the permit with you when you cut down your own tree.

Free Permits

With an Every Kid Outdoors pass, children in fourth grade are eligible to receive a free Christmas tree permit for their local forest.

Benefits of Cutting Your Own Christmas Tree

If you're still unsure that cutting down your own Christmas tree is right for you, here are a few advantages.

Helps the Environment

One of the major talking points in the debate about real vs. artificial Christmas trees is the question of which option is better for the environment. While it may seem counterintuitive, cutting down trees can be good for forest health.

Christmas tree permits through the U.S. Forest Service are part of an initiative to maintain general forest health. By using these permits to cut a Christmas tree, you can help thin out densely populated stands of small-diameter trees, which, as the U.S. Forest Service states, are "the perfect size for a Christmas tree."

Just like prescribed burns and removing forest debris, the thinning of forest trees is a tool to reduce fire risk in national forests. According to the U.S. Forest Service, "It is used to restore more natural forest structure with a focus on tree density, tree species distribution, tree age distribution, and natural gaps in the canopy. Additionally, reduction of the number of trees reduces stress and competition in forested areas susceptible to insect and disease."

Creates Memories

Imagine how memorable it will be to hike into a forest and cut down a wild tree to use as a Christmas tree. Perhaps this can become an annual Christmas tradition for your family. And maybe future generations will carry on this tradition to keep building more memories.

Saves Money

We've already shown that the price of a permit is significantly less than the cost of purchasing a tree—real or artificial. Given the yearly cost of holiday gift-giving, Christmas parties, and more, saving money on a Christmas tree will surely be welcome.

So, when you cut down your Christmas tree from Mother Nature, think of the benefits for your family and the environment. Just make sure to purchase your Christmas tree permit soon, as they can sell out.

Tips for Cutting Your Own Christmas Tree

You may be an expert at chopping down trees, but for anyone new to this process, here are some things to keep in mind when cutting down a Christmas tree.

Wait to Cut It

Help your Christmas tree last longer by waiting to cut it down. It's best to cut your Christmas tree within three weeks of Christmas, but somewhere in the four-to-six-week range will also work if properly watered.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

The old saying is true for Christmas trees. You'll want to measure the space in your car to be sure your freshly-cut tree fits. Likewise, it's essential to measure the floor-to-ceiling height where you want to place the tree so you don't bring home a too-tall tree.

Bring Necessary Tools

While a chainsaw works best (and fastest) for cutting down a Christmas tree, it may not be allowed in some forests. Pack an axe, handsaws, blades, and other cutting equipment in case a chainsaw cannot be used. Additionally, be sure to bring equipment for securing the tree to your car—twine, scissors, and bungee cords are all a good idea.

Wear Safety Gear

To avoid injuries, it's important to be safe while cutting your Christmas tree. Check that your clothes aren't too loose (they can get caught), and wear boots, work gloves, and safety goggles when cutting.

Check Its Age

Lightly pull on the tree needles to see how fresh it is. If the needles don't fall (or not many drop), the tree is in good condition and should last the holiday season.

Leave a Small Stump

When cutting your Christmas tree, cut as low to the ground as you can. This will encourage another tree to sprout and grow in its place.

Hold It Steady

As you're cutting down the tree, hold the trunk to prevent it from falling (or ask someone else to hold it for you). Don't push over the tree before finishing cutting it, as this is unsafe and won't allow for regrowth.

Shake It

Fresh trees in a forest are likely to house bugs, pests, and other wildlife. Give the tree a good shake before transporting it home—you don't want to bring any into your home.

Related: 21 Christmas Tree Types and How to Pick The Right One for You

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