Ocala National Forest Christmas Tree Permit
This permit allows for the harvest of purchased Christmas Tree(s) (up to a maximum of five per permit) by manual (e.g., handsaw) or mechanical (e.g., chainsaw) felling within designated areas on Ocala National Forest. This is a unique opportunity to showcase for friends and family a true Florida native species as the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations. Please refer to the NEED TO KNOW section of your permit for harvest guidelines, cutting tips and insights on planning a safe and memorable experience in Ocala National Forest!
Need to Know
Selecting Your Tree
Each forest has limitations on the size of the tree you can cut and the species of trees that are permitted. See below to help you measure and choose a tree that meets your permit's guidelines.
Tree Height: 25 feet maximum
Stump height: 6 inches maximum
Entire tree felled shall be utilized. Permittees are not to cut down a tree and only take a portion of the tree (e.g., fell a 20' tree and cut off the top 8' portion to take home, leaving the rest of the tree behind.) NOTE: Trimming of the tree (i.e., cutting butt-end of tree flush; removing dead/dying limbs; etc.) and leaving these portions of the tree behind is acceptable as long as the trimmings are scattered inside Christmas Tree cutting area at least 50' away from roadways.
Where to Cut Your Tree
Christmas Tree Cutting Areas are designated by signage indicating when entering and leaving permitted harvest area boundaries.
Adobe .pdf maps of designated harvest areas are available for download along with your permit on Recreation.gov.
Cutting and harvest of permitted Christmas Trees is strictly prohibited to designated areas on Ocala National Forest only.
Planning Your Trip
Helpful Cutting Tips
Carry your tree carefully out of the woods. Dragging the tree will rub off needles and bark.
If the tree is too big to transport inside of your vehicle, wrap it in canvas to prevent wind damage.
Once home, cut the bottom of the trunk off and place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket of water. Replenish water.
If storing your tree outside for a few days before putting it in the house, keep it in an area protected from the wind, such as the north or east side of your house or under a shaded tree.
Tools you might want to consider bringing with you include a measuring tape to ensure you select a tree that fits in your home; handsaw to cut your tree; gloves to protect your hands; boots to protect your feet; a tarp to sit on and/or to move your tree once it's cut; and rope or straps to secure your tree to your vehicle.
Choose a tree from a dense forested area, which will give the remaining trees more space to grow.
Cut the leftover branches from the stump and scatter them.
Spray your tree down with either water or bug spray to prevent insects such as ticks and spiders from entering your home.
How to Plan Your Trip
Before you leave home, be sure to measure the space where you plan to place the tree in your home (height and width), and measure the space in your vehicle where you will be transporting the tree.
You must print and bring your Christmas Tree Permit with you.
Cell service may be spotty or unavailable. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you back.
Check the latest weather conditions, forest warnings and road closures before you leave on your trip.
Bring a map with you. Don’t rely on GPS because it may not be up-to-date with forest service roads.
Dress appropriately for the weather; and use caution as it is hunting season. Wear bright clothing. Make yourself visible. Choose colors that stand out (red or orange), and avoid white, blacks, browns, earth-toned greens and animal-colored clothing.
Be sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. Bring a spare key and give it to someone else in your party. Don’t get locked out of your car! Park in areas so that traffic can get by safely, and do not block gates.
Bring plenty of food and water with you as well as an overnight survival kit in case you become stranded.
Start your day early. Be sure to find your tree and leave the woods before dark.
We don't recommend bringing your pets but, if you do, they must be on a leash.
