How and Where You Can Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

Here's what you need to know to go harvest your Christmas tree.

Cutting your own Christmas tree can be a fun family activity. For many, the tree's got to go up the day after Thanksgiving. I've always been a "two weeks from Christmas" kind of guy myself. If you're thinking about heading off to the woods to cut the perfect tree, like most things these days, it starts with a permit.

The closest areas where you can cut your own tree is the Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Tree permits are $8 bucks and available at the following USDA offices:

DELTA - The Fort Uncompahgre, 440 N Palmer Drive; Delta, CO 970-874-8349 Open Monday through Saturday 8 AM-5 PM.

GRAND JUNCTION - Grand Valley Ranger District, 2777 Crossroads Blvd. Suite 1 (970) 242-8211 Open Monday through Friday 8 AM- 5 PM

GUNNISON - Gunnison Ranger District,  216 N Colorado (970) 641-0471
Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

MONTROSE - Montrose Public Land Office, 2465 S. Townsend Ave. (970) 240-5300
Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4:30 PM

TREE CUTTING RULES:

• Tree height maximum is 20 feet.
• Tree may not be greater than 6 inches in diameter at the base of the tree and the stump height should be no greater than 6 inches high.
• Topping of trees is not allowed (i.e. cutting the top of tree and leaving the lower portion with limbs attached).
• Tag tree(s) before leaving the cutting area - rap tag around a large sturdy lower limb or tree trunk – each tag has adhesive on the backside to ensure a firm grip.
• Permits must be clearly visible on trees when transporting by vehicle.

The US Forest Service has a Colorado Christmas tree cutting map. Get the info for your best location by clicking HERE.

Credit: The Denver Channel