Cutting Down a Christmas Tree in Summit County

Step 1:

You must purchase a Christmas tree cutting permit BEFORE you cut your tree down. There is a limit of five permits per person, and permits are not eligible for refund. Permits may be purchased from:

• The Dillon Ranger District Visitor Center – 680 Blue River Parkway, Silverthorne. Open Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (closed for lunch from 12:30pm-1:30pm), Closed weekends
• Sanders True Value Hardware (*CASH ONLY*) – 160 6th Street, Silverthorne. Open Monday-Friday 8:00am-6:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm, & Sunday 10:00am-3:00pm
• Breckenridge Welcome Center – 203 South Main Street, Breckenridge. Open 7 days a week 9:00am-5:00pm
• Permits are also available by mail – Click here for mail in permit instructions

Step 2:

Decide where you’d like to cut your tree down. Most of the White River National Forest is open for cutting, but please avoid the following areas:

• Wilderness areas & proposed Wilderness areas
• Developed Recreation Areas
• Campgrounds
• Ski Areas
• Within 100 feet of main roads

Click here to view a map of the Dillon Ranger District Christmas Tree Cutting Areas.

Step 3:

Things to bring and think about before you go:

• Don’t forget your permit sticker!
• Rope or straps to secure the tree to your vehicle
• The best tool to bring is a hand saw or camp saw
• Dress warmly and bring layers; be aware that conditions can change quickly in the mountains
• Snowshoes, skis, or microspikes are highly recommended for traveling in deep snow or ice
• Check travel maps and road conditions prior to heading out
• Before you leave to cut a tree, measure your space
• Do not rely on cell phones, most areas of the Forest do not have service

Step 4:

Please observe these rules when cutting down your Christmas tree:

• Any conifer tree may be harvested EXCEPT for the Colorado Blue Spruce – Please do not cut down a Colorado Blue Spruce
• Trees need to be less than 15 feet tall and six inches or less in stump diameter (at the base)
• Cutting the top off of large trees is prohibited
• Do not cut single trees in forest openings, find a small group of trees to cut from instead
• Cut your tree as close to the ground as possible (stump height of six inches or less)
• Attach your Christmas tree permit sticker to the base of the tree stump BEFORE transporting
• Trees must be used for personal use and cannot be re-sold

Step 5:

Follow these steps to ensure your tree will last until Christmas!

• Once your tree is home, cut one inch off the base of the trunk and immediately place in water
• Do not allow your tree to dry out – check water levels at least once a day and increase humidity by misting the needles with water (Dry trees are fire hazards!)
• Decorate & ENJOY!