Cut Your Own Arizona Christmas Tree

What better way is there to get in the holiday spirit than to don coats and hats and gloves, and walk through the woods in search of that perfect Christmas tree, cut down with your own tools by your own hands? It is a family holiday tradition that many in Arizona cherish, but there is some very important preparation to do. For you see, you cannot just load up the family and the dog into the SUV, drive up north and begin your search. You must have a permit to cut a Christmas tree. The months of September and October are when permit applications are accepted in Arizona.

In 2008 drawings and online applications for Christmas tree-cutting tags were eliminated. Now, you have to go to a designated store to purchase a tag. When they run out, they run out. Tag prices are $15 each.

Here is what you need to know:

• In order to harvest that perfect Christmas tree, you must obtain a tag (permit).
• Companies, organizations or schools may not apply.
• Permits are issued for harvesting one tree under 10 feet tall, per family, per year.
• Only individuals/families may purchase a tag and the tree must be used in their household.
• Trees may be harvested during the period between November 21st and December 24th.
• Along with your tag, you will receive a map showing your tag’s cutting area, tree-cutting instructions, safety precaution reminders and a tree identification fact sheet.
• There is no way to replace your tag if you lose it.

You can pick up a Christmas tree-cutting tag at one of several Big 5 Sporting Goods store locations. You can find the participating stores listed here. Tags sales will begin on Saturday, October 10, 2009:

In 2009 there are 6,375 tags tags available for the Christmas tree-cutting program --that's quite a bit more than last year. Four national forests are providing tags to Big 5 Sporting Goods for over-the-counter sales:

• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
• Kaibab National Forest
• Prescott National Forest
• Coconino National Forest
• Tonto National Forest

Without an application drawing process, it's obvious that 'first come, first served' is the name of the game. When tags run out, no more will become available.

For more information you may call the Christmas tree hotline at 602-225-5258 or visit the Forest Service online.

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Tree lightings, holiday lights, festivals, holiday music and entertainment, gift guides and holiday travel tips -- find them all in the Christmas Holidays Guide for Greater Phoenix.

_{All prices and dates are subject to change without notice.}