How to safely and legally cut down your own Christmas tree

• Visit Recreation.gov to see where to cut a tree, then make your permit purchase online.
• Once in the forest, pick a tree within 10 feet of other trees and 200 feet from roads and recreation sites.
• Once home, make sure you water the tree at least daily to keep it alive as long as possible.

Many families consider a Christmas tree the perfect holiday centerpiece for gathering around during the holiday season. For those who are lucky enough to have the opportunity to pick out and harvest their own tree, venturing into a national forest to do so can instantly become an annually cherished tradition. And it's not as challenging as you might think to plan a DIY Christmas tree cut down from the forest.

The US Forest Service offers an easy online Christmas tree cutting permit system that allows families to find and cut their own tree, in minutes. Janelle Smith, a spokesperson for Recreation.gov, offered additional insight into cutting down your own Christmas tree from the forest.

"Cutting a Christmas tree in a national forest helps improve forest health," says Smith. "Since you are cutting the tree in areas identified by local forest health experts, you know you are contributing by helping trees grow larger and opening areas that provide forage for wildlife."

How to get a permit to cut a Christmas tree in a forest

First, you must create an account on Recreation.gov or log in to your existing account. Next, find a local forest through the search function, the map, or the dropdown menu on www.recreation.gov/tree-permits.

Click on the forest closest to you on the Recreation.gov website, and you'll find additional details for that specific forest such as when permit dates go on sale, what the window to cut down your tree is (usually late October/early November through December 31), and how many trees you can cut down with one permit. (Sometimes it's two, three or even five!)

You can usually buy a permit as early as a couple months before Christmas. Prices vary by forest but usually aren't more than $10 or so.

You can also purchase permits through Recreation.gov's mobile app. Just make sure to carefully review and verify that you have read the need-to-know information prior to making your purchase.

Quick tip: For those who don't live near a forest, there are plenty of Christmas tree farms across the US that let you pick and cut your own tree, though prices will vary. The physical act of cutting a tree will generally be the same, whether it's from a farm or the forest.

Choosing the right tree

• Know where you're going. First, download the "cutting area" map with other important information specific to the area of your permit.
• Find your spot. Stay away from places along the sides of streams, rivers, lakes, and wet areas. The tree you choose must be at least 200 feet from main roads, recreation sites, and campgrounds. When selecting and cutting your tree, double-check to make sure you are in a designated cutting area, and overall, just follow your permit's guidelines.
• Don't go too tall. Your permit prohibits you from cutting down trees over a certain height. Specifics will be detailed in your permit.
• Thin the crowding. Select a tree that's within 10 feet of another living tree. "Choosing a tree in an overcrowded spot helps thin the area," says Smith.
• Measure twice, cut once. Choose a tree that's the right size for your home — take into account both your ceiling height and the width of the space your tree will go. Also, make sure it will fit on your car safely.
• Choose wisely. You may only cut one tree per tag unless you've purchased a permit that allows you to cut more. Attach your tree tag to the harvested tree before placing it in the vehicle.

What you need

• Measuring tape, to measure the tree and make sure it will fit in your house
• Handsaw for cutting
• Tarp for protecting your car on the way home
• Rope or twine to secure

How to cut down a Christmas tree

Smith and the US Forest Service offer some expert insight into how to cut down the tree after arriving at the actual forest.

1. Measure the space. Before you begin your trek to the forest, measure the area in which you plan to put your Christmas tree so you know what size tree to select. Also measure your car to ensure you can fit the tree either inside or on top, and get it home.
2. "Know before you go!" says Smith. "Be prepared by knowing the road and weather conditions. Tell someone where you are going, since oftentimes forests have limited service. After arriving at your destination, display the printed permit in your windshield. Also, learn how to use a map and compass, and carry them both with you."
3. Bring the right tools. "Bring a rope, tarp, and hand saw to cut and move your tree from the harvest area to your vehicle," says Smith. Also, be sure to factor in the right timing for cutting the tree, so it won't dry out before Christmas.
4. Select the tree. Be mindful of selecting a tree that's permitted for cutting. "Pick a tree with a trunk six inches or less in diameter, and prepare to cut the tree no more than six inches above ground level so you don't leave a stump in the ground," says Smith. "Tree size is important — there will be certain heights you can't cut above."
5. Have someone stabilize the tree. Have a friend or family member hold the tree steady. Simply reach through the branches and get a hold of the trunk of the tree. This prevents the tree from falling over unexpectedly, keeping everyone safe while also creating the cleanest cut through the trunk.
6. Saw through the trunk. Using a lightweight hand saw, cut low and parallel to the ground using quick broad strokes to create a clean cut. Remember: chain saws or other power saws are not permitted.
7. Once the tree starts to fall, don't push it over. This can cause the bark to tear and splinter. Keep cutting through the trunk until you completely cut through it. Then have the person holding the tree gently lay it on the ground.
8. Shake it out. Once the tree is felled, give it a good shake to ensure it's empty of squatting critters and loose needles. Be mindful of the sticky sap.
9. Take the tree home. Place the new Christmas tree onto a tarp or even a sled if you have one to make dragging it to the car a bit easier. Then, "secure your tree to your vehicle to ensure it remains in place for your trip home," says Smith. You can protect your car's paint by placing a tarp underneath the tree, and be sure to properly secure it with bungee cords or twine to enjoy a safe ride home.

Quick tip: If you wind up with tree sap on your hands, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will do quick work to remove it.

Tips for keeping a Christmas tree fresh

• When you get home, use a saw to trim the bottom of the trunk. Similar to cutting the stems on flowers before putting them into water, a fresh cut opens up the trunk to better absorb water.
• Get the tree in water as soon as you can. It's a live plant, so you'll want to replenish its water supply regularly.
• Keep the bottom two inches of the trunk immersed in water, even if that means refilling the stand every single day.
• Be careful about where you put the tree. Setting it near a heat source such as a fireplace can quickly dry it out and make it brittle.
• Make sure to turn Christmas lights off when leaving the room and especially when leaving the house. Christmas lights can be a fire hazard, especially as your tree dries out over time, and should never be left unattended.

Insider's takeaway

Cutting down your own Christmas tree in a national forest is a special experience that's easy, affordable, and fun. Check out the Recreation.gov website to see where you can cut your own tree nearby, and make sure to adhere to the rules listed on your permit.

Trimming these trees is actually good for the health of the forest, and it means you and your family get to enjoy a holiday centerpiece that you picked yourself.

If you don't have a national forest in your area that allows for tree cutting, there are many Christmas tree farms across the country that allow you to cut your own — though you'll likely pay more than the cost of a national park permit.