How to Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree in Colorado
Celebrate the holiday season by cutting down your own Christmas tree! 🌲 Not only is it a fun tradition, but it also helps maintain healthy forests. Here’s a quick guide to help you on your Christmas tree harvesting adventure:
Choose your location & determine if you need a permit: Most places do require a permit, and you can purchase one from the BLM , the U.S. Forest Service, or CO Parks and Wildlife. Each forest provides cutting area maps, guidelines for what types of trees can be cut, and other important details. Some popular spots are:
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests: You can find more information and purchase a permit for $20 (per tree) on the U.S. Forest Service website. Permits are available to purchase November 8th – January 7th. Permitted cutting dates will vary based on harvest location.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park: They offer a limited number of permits through a lottery system. You can find more information and apply for a permit on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. The application window to apply for the permit lottery is open through November 15.
State Forest State Park: On Dec 6th and 7th you can pick up your Forest Service cutting permit for $10 (per tree) at the Moose Visitor Center (they also have hot cocoa from 9-4). There’s no registration or application needed.
Prepare for the trip: Dress warmly and bring essentials like a hand saw, rope/straps, gloves, a measuring tape and your permit. If you’re a tree hugger like me and don’t want to chop down a tree, bring a shovel and a pot or something to wrap the root ball.
Choose your tree: This is the most fun part! You walk around the forest and debate with your husband which tree is the best. This is also where a tape measure can come in handy and ensure you get the perfect tree for your space! 🎄📏
Cutting or digging your tree: If cutting, do so below the lowest live limb and leave stumps no higher than six inches. If digging, make a trench around the tree about 12-18 inches deep. This will help you access the roots. Carefully dig under the root ball, loosening the soil as you go. Try to keep the root ball intact. Once the roots are free, gently lift the tree from the ground.
5. Transporting Your Tree: Secure it to or in your vehicle safely.
6. After the Holidays: Consider recycling your tree. Many communities offer tree recycling programs where trees are turned into mulch. Alternatively, you can use the tree for firewood or composting.
Enjoy the adventure and make lasting memories! 🎅✨