Many families begin their holiday season by cutting their own Christmas tree from the national forests.  All you need is a permit, sharp axe, thermos of cocoa, and a little patience.  Away from the holiday rush, families discover the peace of the forests often surrounded by winter white.

 

Trees can be cut on any National Forest land, with the exception of the administrative sites and recreation areas such as campgrounds and within view of roads and trails.  You can receive information on cutting areas as well as plowed roads from the National Forest Offices where you pick up your permit. 

 

 

You can find many trees throughout the forest, but be prepared to do some searching.  Some of the common types of Christmas trees include:

Spruce trees
Spruce trees are narrow, triangle-shaped conifers of cold climates.  The needles are short, stiff, sharp, and encircle the branch.  The cones are woody, brown, and hang down.  Although they require a lot of water and needles dry and fall off quickly, spruce trees are popular choices as Christmas trees because of their shape.

 

Balsam fir is an important tree used for paper.  Balsam fir has short, flat, fragrant needles that drop off readily if a tree has been up too long.  They are very dense and look like a traditional Christmas tree, but can be messy.  This is the most popular Christmas tree due to its shape, smell, and longevity.

 

Red pine
Red pine is tall, straight and has dark needles which are four to six inches long.  The cones are small, roundish, and without thorns.  Though sometimes called the Norway pine, it is a native of North America.  Red pines are very natural looking with big, open gaps in their limb structures.  They keep their needles longer than other trees, but are often not as full as spruce or balsam.

 

If you are cutting your tree in a national forest-attach your permit to your tree once it is cut.  Trees should be cut low to the ground and avoid cutting the tops off of the trees.  

To extend the life of your tree, cut a few inches off the trunk and place it outside in a bucket to allow the tree to soak up water.  Once you've placed the tree in a stand, pour in warm water and keep the tree well watered, daily, throughout the holidays. 

After the holidays, recycle your tree!  You can place your tree outside and it will become an instant wildlife feeder and shelter for birds and squirrels.