Carson National Forest Christmas Tree Permit
This permit allows you to cut a Christmas Tree within designated areas of the Carson 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.
There is a limit of three permits per person. Permits cannot be purchased for other people.
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.
The tree may be cut, or dug up and removed as a transplant. The ground starts freezing as early as November. Please fill in the hole created when digging up a live tree.
Do not cut or transplant bristlecone pine.
Stump height: maximum of 6 inches above ground level.
Each permit is $5 (for any permitted species) up to 10 feet, $10 for over 10 feet - up to 15 feet, and $15 for over 15 feet - up to 20 feet tall.
Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of a taller tree; cut down the entire tree within permitted height limit.
Where to Cut Your Tree
Do not cut on private land, in wilderness areas, or designated campgrounds.
Do not cut in active timber sales.
Do not cut trees within 100 feet of any campground, trail, stream, river, Forest Road, or State Highway.
Do not cut within those areas shown on the downloadable map as closed to Christmas tree cutting.
The Motor Vehicle Use Map is available on the Carson National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/carson/mvum
Be informed of potential Forest Closures, particularly around recent wildfire areas. Closure notices are available on the Carson National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices
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 shade 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.
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.
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 a spare key and give it to someone else in your party. Don’t get locked out of your car! Park in areas so that traffic can get by safely, and do not block gates.
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.
We don't recommend bringing your pets but, if you do, they must be on a leash.
