Dixie National Forest Christmas Tree Permit
Purchasing this permit allows you to cut a Christmas Tree within designated areas of the Dixie National Forest. Lifelong memories are built during these special times and we are happy to help with any information gathering you'll need to make this trip a safe and enjoyable one.
Please be sure to read and agree to all the tips and guidelines when selecting your tree.
PRINT YOUR PERMIT
Refer to "Selecting Your Tree" to know which tree species you can cut based on which District you are on.
Follow all road and motorized trail restrictions on the Motor Vehicle Use Map
The U.S. Forest Service is among the federal agencies that support the Administration’s Every Kid Outdoors initiative, a nationwide call to action to build the next generation of conservationists. The initiative provides a free pass to all fourth-grade students who first go to Every Kid Outdoors and complete the application process. Students can either use a paper pass or can redeem the paper pass for a durable pass at select Forest Service offices. The Dixie National Forest hopes Every Kid Outdoors will help to inspire every young person in Southern Utah to visit the Dixie National Forest.
Visit the Dixie Forest Products website for more information, including contact information and how to obtain a Christmas tree permit at your local District office and our local vendors.
Need to Know
Selecting Your Tree
Each forest has limitations on the size of the tree you can cut and the species of trees that are permitted. See below to help you measure and choose a tree that meets your permit's guidelines
Tree Height: 20 feet maximum. Trees up to 10 feet are $10. Trees from 11-20 feet are $20. If you would like a larger tree please contact the Ranger District office where you want to cut your tree
Stump height: 5 inches maximum
Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree
If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the tree height
No bristlecone pine may be cut
Pine Valley Ranger District: Only pinyon pine and juniper trees may be cut
Cedar City Ranger District: Only white fir, subalpine fir, pinyon pine and juniper trees may be cut
Powell Ranger District: Any tree species except bristlecone pine
Escalante Ranger District: Any tree species except bristlecone pine
Fremont Ranger District: The Fremont Ranger District (formerly the Teasdale Ranger District) is administered by the Fishlake National Forest. Permits for this area are sold at the Fremont Ranger District office in Loa, Utah.
Identify your Christmas Tree species
Where to Cut Your Tree
Do not cut on non-Forest Service lands, in wilderness areas, designated campgrounds, or existing tree plantations (identified by evenly spaced, sized trees in a previously burned or timber sale area)
Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees
Do not cut trees within 50 feet of streams and 100 feet of open roads and trails
Planning Your Trip
Helpful Cutting Tips
Carry your tree carefully out of the woods. Dragging the tree will rub off needles and bark.
If the tree is too big to transport inside of your vehicle, wrap it in canvas to prevent wind damage.
Once home, cut the bottom of the trunk off and place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket of water. Replenish water.
If storing your tree outside for a few days before putting it in the house, keep it in an area protected from the wind, such as the north or east side of your house or under a shaded tree.
Tools you might want to consider bringing with you include a measuring tape to ensure you select a tree that fits in your home; handsaw to cut your tree; gloves to protect your hands; boots to protect your feet; a tarp to sit on and/or to move your tree once it's cut; and rope or straps to secure your tree to your vehicle.
Choose a tree from a dense forested area, which will give the remaining trees more space to grow.
Cut the leftover branches from the stump and scatter them.
How to Plan Your Trip
Before you leave home, be sure to measure the space where you plan to place the tree in your home (height and width), and measure the space in your vehicle where you will be transporting the tree.
You must print and bring your Christmas Tree Permit with you.
Cell service may be spotty or unavailable. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you back.
Check the latest weather conditions, forest warnings and road closures before you leave on your trip.
Bring a map with you. Don’t rely on GPS because it may not be up-to-date with forest service roads.
Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and winds. Park in areas so that traffic can get by safely, and do not block gates. Bring a spare key and give it to someone else in your party. Don’t get locked out of your car! Roads may not be plowed. Carry tire chains, shovel(s) and a tow chain. Be sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.
Bring plenty of food and water with you as well as an overnight survival kit in case you become stranded.
Start your day early. Be sure to find your tree and leave the woods before dark.
