How to Select and Cut a Tree

Once you have a permit, make sure and reference the special forest products map for a designated location where you can cut. Make sure to try not to cut single trees in forest opening; these trees are our future forest! Find a group of trees and select one from the group, this will promote the remaining trees to grow faster.

Christmas Tree cutting maps: Download a free digital Special Forest Product Map on Avenza Maps or get one in person when you get your tree permit. If you are unsure about areas available for tree cutting, please contact the nearest Ranger District office.

Sno-Park permits are required when parking in a designated Sno-Park area and a valid Recreation Pass is required at designated trailheads.

Christmas Tree cutting is prohibited in the following locations:

• Congressionally designated Wilderness areas,
• Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument,
• experimental forests,
• developed campgrounds,
• administrative sites,
• within 300 feet of streams,
• on private or state-owned lands within national forest boundaries,
• and in any other posted area.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest Christmas tree permits are not valid on other land ownerships. Cutting on private lands is subject to trespass action.

Tree Cutting Instructions: 

• Cut one tree per permit.  Five permits per household maximum.
• Select trees not more than 12 feet tall.
• Tree topping is prohibited.
• Cut the tree 12 inches or less above the ground level. Remove snow around tree base if needed. Cut off live limbs remaining on the stump.
• To make your trip back to the car easier, slide your tree on a plastic tarp.
• Upon return to your vehicle, punch out month, day, and year on permit. Immediately attach permit securely to your freshly cut tree where it will be clearly visible.
• Christmas Tree cutting maps: Free digital Special Forest Product Map on Avenza Maps or get one in person when you get your tree permit.

Special Instructions

• Contact the nearest Ranger District for the latest closures or restrictions.
• A Christmas tree permit is for your personal use only. The use of a personal Christmas Tree Cutting Permit for any other purpose is prohibited.
• A violation of the personal tree cutting permit can result in fines up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail.
• There is a limit of five personal permits per person.
• Christmas tree permits are not refundable for any reason.

Keeping Your Tree Fresh

• Make A Fresh Cut - When you get your tree home, make a fresh cut on the butt to open up the pores which have been clogged by sap. Cut off at least one-half inch. The fresh-cut surface should be creamy-white, not yellow or brown. If you do not make a fresh cut, the tree will not be able to drink water. After the cut is made, put the tree in water as soon as possible. Even if a hole is drilled to accommodate a pin-type stand, a fresh cut should also be made on the butt.
   
• Put Your Tree in Water - Place the tree in a sturdy stand which will hold at least one gallon of water per day. Fill with plain water. If the tree is not going into the house right away, it should be stored in a bucket of water on a cool porch or patio away from wind or sun.
   
• Water Daily - An average tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water per day. If the water level drops below the cut end of the trunk, a seal will form, and no more water will be absorbed by the tree.
   
• Mini-Lights Produce Minimum Heat - Miniature lights produce much less heat and reduce the drying effect upon the tree. Always check light sets for frayed or cracked wire insulation and broken sockets before placing them on a tree. Do not attempt to repair a worn light set. Throw it away and buy a new set. Always turn off the lights of your tree when leaving the house or retiring for the night.
   
• Keep Away from Heat Sources - Place the tree away from heat sources such as heating vents, fireplaces, wood stoves and fireplace inserts, radiators, television sets or sunny windows. Know where your fire extinguisher is nearby.
   
• Remove the Tree Promptly - After Christmas, before the tree dries, remove it from the house for pick up by your disposal service or for your local chipping and compost program. Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.