Christmas Tree Cutting Permits

Family cutting Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree program is designed for families, business, and institutions wishing to cut their own Christmas Tree. Commercial cutting permits are not available. The permits do not authorize cutting on private, state, or other federally-managed lands.

Christmas Tree cutting rules to follow

Cut your tree at least 50 feet away from the road
Clean up any trimmings or limbs
Leave stumps no higher than 10 inches. It is not legal to "top" a tree
Remove any green limbs left that remain on the stump
The maximum tree height is 15 feet and stump diameter is 6 inches
Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees
Do not cut on private land, wilderness areas, designated campgrounds, or existing tree plantations
Do not cut trees in the following areas: Baker City Watershed, Anthony Lakes Campground or Ski Area, Starkey Experimental Forest, La Grande Watershed, Hurricane Creek, and Lostine drainages
Do not cut trees in posted Old Growth areas or within 1/4 mile of wild and scenic corridors
Christmas Tree cutting within sight of a state highway is prohibited

Caring for the tree

Caring for your tree properly will prolong the life of the tree. Prior to moving the tree indoors, cut the base at least 1 inch above the original cut. Keep the base of the tree in water while inside your home or office.

Be prepared for winter weather

Forest roads may be muddy, icy, or covered with fresh snow. This can create hazardous driving conditions. For a safe and fun Christmas Tree cutting experience, check weather and road conditions ahead of time.