Christmas Trees
Enjoying the fresh air while hiking the forest in search of the perfect holiday tree, can be a wonderful way to begin the season. Create special memories by bringing your family to the Shawnee National Forest to cut a beautiful eastern red cedar, loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, or white pine tree.
To purchase a Christmas tree permit, visit Recreation.gov. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
Free Christmas Tree Permit with Every Kid Outdoors Pass
Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied). Every Kid Outdoors paper vouchers must be attained through the program website, vouchers can then be exchanged in any Forest Service office for a hard physical pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Christmas Tree permits cost $5 plus, a $2.50 rec.gov online transaction fee.
To purchase a Christmas tree permit, visit Recreation.gov. Visitors will also need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
Eastern red cedar trees, loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, and white pine trees are included in the permit.
Trees cannot be taller than 15 feet, and stumps are limited to a maximum of six inches in diameter. Cutting just the top of a tree is prohibited, the whole tree must be cut, and the stump should be cut no more than six inches above the ground.
Christmas trees may not be taken from the following areas:
- Do not cut trees on private land. Permit holder is responsible for ensuring they are cutting the tree on U.S. Forest Service – Shawnee National Forest land and within an appropriate area.
- Do not cut within active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees.
- Within the Shawnee National Forest, do not cut trees in Wilderness areas, Natural Areas, or experimental forests.
- Do not cut trees within 150 feet of water bodies or in any area of the Forest closed under a Forest Order.
These maps will help you find roads near or adjacent to national forest land. They also show the restricted (no-cut) areas of the Forest.
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The permit system helps thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Local forest health experts identify areas that benefit from thinning trees that tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide forage for wildlife.
- 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. Expect and be prepared for winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow or rain, and winds.
- Use one of the maps on the permit website to pick a general location on the forest to scout for your Christmas tree. Don't forget to download and/or print the map to take with you.
- Identify the forest roads you want to drive in search for a tree. If you think you will have trouble locating the forest road, contact one of our offices for a Motor Vehicle Use Map. Don’t rely on GPS because it may not be up-to-date with Forest Service roads.
- Be aware of road conditions and the capabilities of your vehicle. Dirt roads may become impassable in wet periods. Park in areas so that traffic can get by safely, and do not block roads or gates.
- 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!
- We don't recommend bringing your pets but, if you do, they must be under control.
- Chainsaws can be used in cutting the tree, but trucks, tractors, winches, ATV/UTVs, or other mechanized equipment are not allowed to be used in dragging the tree out.
- 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 ½ to 1 inch off the bottom of the trunk and place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket of water. Replenish water regularly. If storing your tree outside for a few days before putting it in the house, keep it in an area protected from the wind.
- Tools you might want to consider bringing with you include a measuring tape to ensure you select a tree that fits in your home and meets the requirements of this permit; 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.