5 Steps to Follow When Cutting Down a Christmas Tree in Summit County
Everything you need to know about cutting down your own Christmas tree in the White River National Forest’s Dillon Ranger District.
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 EASIEST WAY: Permits are available online! – Click here to purchase your Christmas tree permit online
- 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, CREDIT CARD ONLY
- Sanders True Value Hardware – 160 6th Street, Silverthorne. Open Monday-Friday 8:00am-6:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm, & Sunday 10:00am-3:00pm, CASH ONLY
- Breckenridge Welcome Center – 203 South Main Street, Breckenridge. Open 7 days a week 9:00am-5:00pm

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!
