DAVIS COUNTY—There’s no small amount of nostalgia this time of year, is there? Songs and poems conjure up imagery of a bygone era filled with antiquated things like sugarplums, sleigh rides, and roasted chestnuts. Some of these traditions have fallen by the wayside, but some are still easily within reach, including cutting down a Christmas tree by hand. 

It’s no secret that live Christmas trees are getting more and more expensive. For even a smaller tree, it’s not uncommon to see prices that just a few years ago would have sent many residents’ heads spinning. For those purists who still don’t want to knuckle under and get a synthetic tree, there are a few options left, including privately owned lots, and, for the rugged and old-fashioned, cutting down a tree themselves. 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages many areas around the state where, for just $10, residents can go, and cut down their own trees for the season. A permit must be obtained, and areas in which to cut, and other rules about cutting have to be strictly observed but it offers a viable, and nostalgic alternative to the sticker shock many buying trees are sure to experience this year. 

For Davis County, permits have already opened up, and residents will need to look at the Salt Lake BLM Field Office for detailed information. Residents can visit the BLM website for the Salt Lake Field Office, and purchase a Christmas tree permit there, as well as find detailed stipulations, and a map for approved cutting locations. 

BLM in Utah also offers specific safety tips for those going out to cut their own trees:

• Stay on designated roads and respect private land. Some tree-cutting areas may be inaccessible after snowfall – early season cutting is advisable.

• Be prepared! Tree-cutters traveling through Utah’s public lands should be prepared for poor road conditions or inclement weather. Make sure you have everything you need for an outdoor venture including warm clothes, food, water, and safety equipment.

• Let someone know where you’ll be going and when you plan to return. If you get stranded, call for help, and stay with your group and vehicle until help arrives.

• Please dispose of trees properly. Consider composting or using the tree as firewood, if those are options available to you.

• Keep in mind that hunting seasons are usually open during these times, so wearing bright colors is advisable.

In addition to the fiscal, and nostalgic bonuses to cutting down a tree like this, there’s also a surprising environmental upside as well. Some BLM offices offer seed packets for in-person purchases to encourage regrowth in areas that have the potential to see heavy tree-cutting traffic. The BLM also encourages those cutting down their own trees to cut and scatter extra branches in the area to promote the exact same thing.

So, whether the drive is motivated by saving some money, creating some memories, or exploring this beautiful state, cutting down your own Christmas tree is a great way to shake things up this holiday season.