Cut Your Own Arizona Christmas Tree - 2011

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.

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, 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 19 and December 25.
• 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 beginning on October 15, 2011 at one of several Big 5 Sporting Goods store locations. In the Greater Phoenix area, those locations are:

• Avondale/Goodyear: 1623 North Dysart Road, Avondale AZ 85323
• Chandler: 2050 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler AZ 85225
• Glendale: 5490 West Bell Road, Suite A, Glendale AZ 85308
• Mesa: 2930 N. Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215
• Mesa/Gilbert: 1244 South Gilbert Road, Suite 101, Mesa AZ 85204
• Phoenix/Paradise Valley: 4623 East Cactus Road, Phoenix AZ 85032
• Phoenix/Bell Rd: 1919 West Bell Road, Phoenix AZ 85023
• Phoenix/East: 3560 East Thomas Road, Phoenix AZ 85018
• Phoenix/West: 7710 West Thomas Road, Phoenix AZ 85033
• South Scottsdale: 3330 Hayden Road, Scottsdale AZ 85251

For locations elsewhere in Arizona, check the national forest website.

In 2011 there are 5,375 tags available for the Christmas tree-cutting program. The 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

Tonto National Forest will not be selling tags at their administrative offices; you can only get those at Big 5.

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 928-333-6267 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.}