When I was growing up it was always a tradition to decorate for Christmas Thanksgiving weekend. Friday morning would roll around and with anticipation we’d watch as my dad would bring box after box of Christmas decor down from the attic. For most of my youth we’d drive over to Home Depot and pick up a tree there a week or two later. Now with kids of my own we look forward to a similar tradition. We go out Thanksgiving weekend or shortly after and cutting our own tree down. Over the years we’ve gone to different places–sometimes a tree farm and sometimes the National Forest. Today I’m going to share some tips for how to cut down your own Christmas tree. Whether you visit a farm or mimic the Griswold family on their search for the perfect Christmas tree, here are some things you need to know.

how to cut your own Christmas tree

There are basically two ways you can cut your own Christmas tree–visit a tree farm or acquiring a permit. Both have pros and cons and our family has enjoyed both types of experiences over the years! Read on to see which is right for your family.

visit a Christmas tree farm

A quick online search will give you a list of results of where you can cut down your own Christmas tree in your area. If you’re in the Sacramento area there are quite a lot of tree farms at Apple Hill. Our family personally likes Snowy Peaks Tree Farm in Foresthill. Each farm will have different amenities so make sure you know what to expect before you go. Do you simply want to cut your own tree? Are you bringing your own saw or do you need on provided? Do you want to peruse local grafts and enjoy baked goods? Some Christmas tree farms are much more bare bones than others so do your research beforehand.

| Read: Visiting Apple Hill in Every Season |

acquire a tree permit

You can also acquire a tree permit and go into our National Forest to cut down your own Christmas tree. Availability and guidelines vary based on region and county you’re in so do your research ahead of time! The cost, size of tree, and quantity you can cut with your permit will differ also. However, this is a very affordable way (permits are typically around $10!) to cut down your own tree if you’re willing to venture off the beaten path a little bit. Search online for “Christmas Tree permit (current year)” along with your area to find out more details, including where you can purchase a permit.

how to get a free permit

You can even get a free tree permit if you have a fourth grader! Simply go online and have your child apply for an Every Kid Outdoors pass (it only takes about 5 minutes!). This pass is completely free and has a lot of great benefits that come with it–including free entrance to all of our National Parks and a free tree permit.

| Read: How to Visit our National Parks for Free |

Tips for enjoying your tree-finding adventure:

• Safety first! If you’re venturing out into the wilderness be prepared. Make sure your tank is full of gas and you have water, snacks, and blankets. You never what could happen when you’re somewhere remote.
• Follow the map. Your signal can be spotty and GPS can give out. Be sure to follow the map that they give you with your permit. It can be tricky to figure out where you are and aren’t allowed to go.
• Bring your own… obviously if you’re not at a farm you’ll have to bring your own everything! Your own saw, your own ropes, even your own means for a potty break, ahem.
• Read the directions. Your permit will tell you exactly how big of a tree you can get, how close it should be to other tress, etc. The whole point of allowing people into our National Forest to cut their own trees is to help thin out for fire prevention. So they don’t want you cutting down a tree that’s by itself in the middle of a field, and they don’t want you cutting the top 10 feet off a 30 foot beauty. Be respectful and follow the rules.
• Have fun! We like to bring a big thermos of hot cocoa and yummy treats to enjoy. We also listen to Christmas music or make sure the car has some of our favorite Christmas movies in it.

Are any of you setting up your Christmas trees this weekend? Have you ever cut down your own Christmas tree? Where did you go?