Photo: dreamstime.com

By Shane Clausing

Christmas Tree Cutting

Alberta Wildfire offering tips for those cutting down Christmas trees

Dec 12, 2021 | 6:00 AM

With the Christmas season fast approaching, those looking to cut down a Christmas tree for their home are being reminded there are several rules you have to follow.

Wildfire Information Officer for Alberta Wildfire Kelly Burke says if you want to down a tree for your house, you must have a permit.

“We have the Personal Use Forest Permit (PUFF) and it’s a free permit that allows you to cut up to three trees.”

If you have a permit and want to cut down a tree, Burke explains you can only do it in specific areas.

“You have to cut off crown land. There is good mapping on the Alberta Wildfire website and you can check out where you want to cut,” explained Burke.

“The system will tell you if you are allowed to go there or not. You want to make sure you are on crown land and not on provincial, reserve land or private land of course.”

Burke also offered some tips to those who are considering cutting down a tree.

“The tree should be less than eight feet,” Burke said. “You want to always try and cut as far down on the base as you can, so get most of the stump so you aren’t topping the tree.”

Once the Christmas season is over and you want to dispose of your tree, she suggests you can do a couple of things to get good use out of it.

“If you live in the city, the City of Grande Prairie picks them up, there are also places that will chip them for you. If you live on a farm or acreage, it’s a good idea to just cut it up and use it for firewood.”

More information on cutting down Christmas trees can be found here.

Burke mentions when going out to cut down a tree, let someone know in advance and be careful while out in the field.