If you love the idea of harvesting your own Christmas tree, then Alaska is the perfect place to be around the holidays! As one of the only states that allows you to cut down a tree on public land, this can become a great family tradition. Explore the Chugach National Forest and find the perfect tree for your house!
Try a new tradition this year, and think about cutting your very own Christmas tree!
JLS Photography - Alaska - Flickr Alaska has an abundance of beautiful spruce trees. Harvested sustainably and respectfully, this can be a fun tradition for the whole family for years to come!
The Chugach National Forest has opened up some areas for you to harvest your own tree, and it is free to fell your own tree, and no permit is required.
Chugach National Forest website Take a look at the map and see if any of these locations are near you! There are some areas that are shut off from cutting down trees, so make sure you remember where the off-limits locations are.
There are many good locations off of the road system, but be prepared to hike in a bit.
JLS Photography - Alaska - Flickr You must cut trees that are at least 200 feet off of the road. They must also be 450 feet away from picnic areas, campgrounds, trails, and bodies of water.
When you choose a tree, pick carefully.
Patrick Cumby - Flickr You don’t want to leave any unsightly gaps or bare spots. Think about how the area will look once you remove one of these tall beauties.
And when you cut the tree down, make sure to take the entire tree, not just the top.
Kevin Duffy - Flickr Trees must be removed all the way down to the last six inches of stump. Make sure your tree doesn’t fall into a body of water after being felled.
Cutting your own tree is a fun way to turn a family day into a holiday event.
JLS Photography - Alaska - Flickr With the right gear, and a little preparedness, the whole family can get in on the fun. Make sure to pack sleds for the tree and kiddos, and a thermos of hot chocolate lends to the festivities and keeps you warm!
The Chugach National Forest reminds you to care for your tree in four easy steps.
JLS Photography - Alaska - Flickr 1: Keep the tree away from direct sources of heat, including lights rated for indoor use. 2: Refill water in the stand daily, and make sure it never goes below the bottom of the tree stump. 3: Don’t add anything to the water in the tree stand; tap water is best. And 4: Make sure to maintain a merry environment around the tree for optimum tree quality!
Happy hunting while harvesting your very own Christmas tree! Do you usually cut your own? What’s your favorite way to get your tree? Let us know in the comments below!
JLS Photography - Alaska - Flickr
Alaska has an abundance of beautiful spruce trees. Harvested sustainably and respectfully, this can be a fun tradition for the whole family for years to come!
Chugach National Forest website
Take a look at the map and see if any of these locations are near you! There are some areas that are shut off from cutting down trees, so make sure you remember where the off-limits locations are.
You must cut trees that are at least 200 feet off of the road. They must also be 450 feet away from picnic areas, campgrounds, trails, and bodies of water.
Patrick Cumby - Flickr
You don’t want to leave any unsightly gaps or bare spots. Think about how the area will look once you remove one of these tall beauties.
Kevin Duffy - Flickr
Trees must be removed all the way down to the last six inches of stump. Make sure your tree doesn’t fall into a body of water after being felled.
With the right gear, and a little preparedness, the whole family can get in on the fun. Make sure to pack sleds for the tree and kiddos, and a thermos of hot chocolate lends to the festivities and keeps you warm!
1: Keep the tree away from direct sources of heat, including lights rated for indoor use. 2: Refill water in the stand daily, and make sure it never goes below the bottom of the tree stump. 3: Don’t add anything to the water in the tree stand; tap water is best. And 4: Make sure to maintain a merry environment around the tree for optimum tree quality!
To keep up the merriment and festivities, read more about how It’s Not Christmas In Alaska Until You’ve Done These 15 Enchanting Things!
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