The one Christmas tradition almost everybody agrees on is the tree. Picking one the entire family is satisfied with is another story.
Why limit your selection to the grocery store parking lot? Why not pick a tree so fresh you have to cut it yourself?
Christmas tree cutting permits are now, or soon will be, available on U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management offices across the state for specific areas.
See the attached news releases for details about obtaining a permit.
Permits range from $10 to $20. Rules on what kind can be cut and the number of permits per family vary depending on the area.
Trees have to be cut close to the ground (leaving a stump no higher than 6 inches), and a shovel comes in handy when removing snow to get to the base of the tree.
Tree topping is not allowed and no cutting is allowed within 200 feet of riparian areas, roads, campgrounds, picnic areas, administrative sites, summer home areas or within designated closed areas.
Forest Service officials warn that venturing into the woods or desert this time of year can be dangerous due to storms. Officials implore the need to stay on designated roads and trails for safety and to protect resources. Snow-packed roads are common and 4-wheel-drive vehicles with snow chains are recommended.
As is the case with any outdoor activity, tell someone who is staying home where you will going and when you expect to be home. It is important to remember to let that person know when you return so they don't call search and rescue.
Officials also suggest Christmas tree cutters take a cell phone, warm clothes, water, a warm drink and food. A flashlight, shovel, first-aid kit, matches, a hatchet/ax/handsaw and rope should be in the vehicle.
brettp@sltrib.com
Twitter: @BrettPrettyman
Rachel Geerdes carries a tree out of the forrest, as The Geerdes Family spent the day looking for Christmas trees in the Uinta Mountains near Evanston Wyoming. Brett Prettyman/The Salt Lake Tribune 11/30/2007
The Geerdes Family used two horses to make their work easier, as they spent the day looking for Christmas trees in the Uinta Mountains near Evanston Wyoming. Brett Prettyman/The Salt Lake Tribune 11/30/2007
Susan Geerdes smells a potential Tree. She insists that the smell of a Christmas tree is as important as the look of the tree. The Geerdes Family spent the day looking for Christmas trees in the Uinta Mountains near Evanston Wyoming. Brett Prettyman/The Salt Lake Tribune 11/30/2007
Susan Geerdes smells a potential Tree. She insists that the smell of a Christmas tree is as important as the look of the tree. The Geerdes Family spent the day looking for Christmas trees in the Uinta Mountains near Evanston Wyoming. Brett Prettyman/The Salt Lake Tribune 11/30/2007
Rachel Geerdes pulls the Christmas trees behind her as she rides Apache the horse. The Geerdes Family spent the day looking for Christmas trees in the Uinta Mountains near Evanston Wyoming. Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune 11/30/2007
Nita McFarland pulls her daughter Lexi in a sled, as she looked for a tree with the Geerdes Family spent the day looking for Christmas trees in the Uinta Mountains near Evanston Wyoming. Brett Prettyman/The Salt Lake Tribune 11/30/2007
Ron and Susan Geerdes look for the perfect Christmas tree. Their family spent the day looking for Christmas trees in the Uinta Mountains near Evanston Wyoming. Brett Prettyman/The Salt Lake Tribune 11/30/2007
Tools for the Christmas Tree Chopping experience. The Geerdes Family spent the day looking for Christmas trees in the Uinta Mountains near Evanston Wyoming. Brett Prettyman/The Salt Lake Tribune 11/30/2007
Tools for the Christmas Tree Chopping experience. The Geerdes Family spent the day looking for Christmas trees in the Uinta Mountains near Evanston Wyoming. Brett Prettyman/The Salt Lake Tribune 11/30/2007
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