Can I Cut Down A Christmas Tree Myself?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If you want to cut down your own tree,

you can either go to a tree farm or venture into the woods to find your own

. If you want that extra sense of adventure, head into the woods, but be prepared. Some areas require a permit to cut down a tree (usually a nominal fee).

Can you cut down a Christmas tree in California?


Many national forests in California offer a limited number of tree permits for people to cut down their own Christmas trees

. The permits run about $10 and come with a set of guidelines to follow when harvesting the tree. The U.S. Forest Service said some forests in California have too many trees.

Is it cheaper to cut your own Christmas tree?

It’s cheaper.


Christmas trees typically cost less if you cut them yourself

. Remember, if you get a pre-cut tree at a temporary lot, you’re also paying for transportation costs and parking lot rental.

How do I get rid of a real Christmas tree?

Can I cut down a tree in the woods?


Yes, it is illegal to cut down a tree in the woods

. There are laws that can get complicated, and they will affect everyone who has trees on the property they own, not just those who are in the woods.

How long will a cut Christmas tree last outside?

A healthy, fresh-cut Christmas tree will last for

four to five weeks

if properly cared for. If you’re itching to put up your holiday decorations earlier, start with non-living decorations whenever you like, and finish off with fresh greenery and your Christmas tree around the first of December.

Can you cut off the top of a Christmas tree?

Trim the top of the tree.

The top center branch is important to keep and trim to a sturdy length so you can use it as a support for a tree topper, like a star or angel, if you choose to decorate with one. Remove any other longer branches that appear to be competing for the center branch.

When should I cut my Christmas tree down?

Tips on Cutting Your Own Christmas Tree

The best time for cutting your own Christmas tree is

between late November and mid-December

. Note that the average time a well-watered cut tree holds its needles is three to four weeks.

How do you cut down a tree yourself?

Can you have a cut Christmas tree outside?


Store Outside Until Ready to Decorate

For this reason, it’s a good idea to store your tree in the garage or a covered indoor/outdoor area until you’re ready to decorate. The key here is to keep the tree out of windy, open air. While the cooler air may benefit the tree, the winds will dry it out.

How much do you cut a Christmas tree?

Cut off

at least one-half inch

. 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. The longer the time between when the tree is given a fresh cut and when it is put into water, the less ability the tree has to absorb water.

How do I get a permit to cut down a Christmas tree in California?

  1. To obtain your copy of personal-use firewood regulations and woodcutting map:
  2. Online: Christmas Tree cutting permits are $10 each with a small service fee. To purchase a Christmas Tree permit, visit www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/plumas. …
  3. Mail-in: Permits are $10 each. …
  4. For More information.

Where can I cut down a Christmas tree at Mendocino National Forest?

  • Mendocino National Forest Supervisor’s Office. 825 N. …
  • Upper Lake Ranger Station. 10025 Elk Mountain Rd. …
  • Upper Lake Grocery. 160 E. …
  • M&M Feed. 74540 Hill Rd. …
  • Keith’s Family Foods. 76201 Covelo Rd. …
  • Sacramento River Discovery Center. 1000 Sale Ln.

How much is a Christmas tree permit in Oregon?

Permits are

$5.00 each

. They allow the holder to cut one tree in designated areas; each household can purchase up to a maximum of five permits. This year, trees can be as tall as 15 feet.

How do you take down a 12 foot Christmas tree?

How do you get rid of a Christmas tree without making a mess?

First, lay a drop cloth or old bed sheet on the floor next to the tree. Remove the tree from the stand. Wrap the trunk in a towel to soak up excess water. Place the tree on its side on the sheet and wrap the whole tree in the cloth, making sure the branches are enclosed.

How do you remove a wooden Christmas tree stand?

Is it against the law to cut trees down?


You will need permission to fell or prune a tree in your garden or land if: It is covered by a tree preservation order – you will require permission from your local authority

. It is within a designated conservation area – you are required to notify your local authority to get permission.

Do you need permission to cut down trees?

If any of the trees that you wish to cut down are the subject matter of a TPO the principle effect is that

you may not cut, top, lop or wilfully destruct them without first obtaining the consent of your local authority

.

What is the law against cutting trees?


Section 68 of PD 705

states that “any person who shall cut, gather, collect, or remove timber or other forest products from any forest land, or timber from alienable and disposable public lands, or from private lands, without any authority under a license agreement, lease, license or permit, shall be guilty of …

What do you do with your real Christmas tree after Christmas?

  • Compost your Christmas tree. …
  • Mulch perennial beds with the boughs. …
  • Chip the wood for garden paths and beds. …
  • Place the tree outside and turn it into a bird sanctuary. …
  • Turn your tree into a wildlife habitat. …
  • Use branches as simple supports for plants. …
  • Use your old tree as firewood.

How do you revive a dying Christmas tree?

Reviving a Christmas tree is as simple as

giving it more water

. The more water you give to the tree, the longer it will last, just like cut flowers. It is important to ensure that the tree has enough water and is protected from extreme heat to prevent the needles from drying out.

Does aspirin help keep a Christmas tree fresh?

The National Christmas Tree Association says the best way to keep a Christmas tree hydrated is plain fresh water.

Adding aspirin, soda, bleach, corn syrup, sugar or preservatives are unnecessary and actually can be detrimental

. They can decrease moisture retention and increase needle loss.

What happens when you cut off the top of a tree?

The many large, open wounds that topping creates on a tree’s main stem and branches also

invite diseases, insect infestations and decay

. The remaining branches may rot and become unstable. Eventually, the tree may die. Topping can create expensive problems.

What happens if I cut the top off my Christmas tree?

Cutting the top from a pine won’t immediately kill the tree, but

a large pruning wound could leave the tree open to potentially deadly infections

. Canopies of pine trees and many other evergreens grow outward from the needle-bearing tips of branches.

What do you do if your Christmas tree is too small to stand?


Wrap a few inches of the base of your tree in a fabric that is thick enough so that when you insert it into the base it won’t wobble

. Or try to “Shim” it with a very thin piece of wood (etc) on 3 or 4 sides until it’s level. Hope this helps.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.