Know How To Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree

The east route is finding a local tree farm. These are located all over Canada coast to coast and usually include a full experience. My local pick-&-cut farm has sleight rides, hot chocolate and even a nighttime bonfire. You can’t go wrong when you are able to be woodsy in comfort. Plus the photos ops are endless for this year’s Christmas cards. 

If you choose to wander out into the forest keep in mind there are some rules to follow. Each province has their own protocol so find your area in the list below and go from there. 

For this province, tree cutting is FREE! The only thing the government asks is that you apply for a permit. The permit simply asks you where you intend to cut and if it will be done within 30 days. Keep in mind when you apply that the cut area can not be on private land, parks, near water, research area or a plantation. 

For Alberta, your permit is $5 and it allows you to cut down three trees total under 2.5 meters in height. The only request they have is that you harvest from permitted areas and avoid removing it from viewpoints, turnouts, steep slopes and reclaimed areas.

The Saskatchewan government does not require a permit for Christmas tree harvesting. The only thing they ask is that it is under 4 meters in height and on crown land.

Manitobans can apply for a permit to harvest from Crown land. The tree will need to be under three meters in height and be harvested from a designated area. Once the tree is cut you can not give it away, sell it or trade.

In Ontario, you are limited to the north of the French and Mattawa rivers. These are located in Northern Ontario because cutting down conifers in the Southern portion of Ontario is not permitted. This is done to help discourage people from harvesting their own trees. There is no permit required. 

In Quebec harvesting a tree is illegal. The charge is $300 dollars for the first offence. 

There is no permit required for Christmas tree hunting in Newfoundland. There are a few rules to keep in mind. You should not cut a tree within 102 metres of a highway, or remove a tree from preservation areas. It also is illegal to cut down a large tree just to harvest the top. Also, if you cut it you take it rule is in effect. It is illegal to chop down a tree and leave it behind. 

In Nova Scotia, you are only allowed to chop down your own trees. Removing trees from forested areas off your land is illegal. 

No permit is needed just make sure you ask before removing a tree from private land. 

In New Brunswick, you will need to apply for a permit. On this permit, it will outline where you are allowed to cut from. If you are wanting to use balsam fir branches to create wreaths from the holidays you will want to pay $20 for a tipping permit. 

Yukon 

You don’t need a permit but they request you remove the tree from vacant public land. There is also the option to cut down trees located within designated areas of Whitehorse. For a list of cutting, areas check out this https://yukon.ca/en/science-and-natural-resources/forests/cut-down-christmas-tree-your-home 

Northwest Territories 

This is free and there is no permit required. 

Measure your space requirements. Double-check the height and width of the tree you require. But also be sure to check the base and determine how thick of a trunk you can accommodate. 

It is likely that the tree is being harvested a distance from your home. That means you don’t want to be taking a trip from Southern Ontario to Northern Ontario without the correct gear. Opt-in for labour-intensive options and also a mechanical option, just in case the chainsaw doesn’t work. 

Tools needed include: 

In Nova Scotia, it’s illegal to cut twice so you want to make sure you are confident in your choice. Chop the tree down as close to the base as possible, allowing you room for the stand. Cut a notch in the base of the tree on one side going about half the trunk diameter inwards. Then simply give the tree a push, allowing it to snap. The highest tree you can harvest is 2.5 meters in Canada, which means no real lumberjack skills are needed for these little guys. 

Allow the tree to dry for a few days before trimming the bottom of the trunk. This cut should be on a slight angle and expose the fresh part of the trunk. The tree is likely to need a ton of water so make sure you top it up once a day minimum. Fresh trees should last around 5 weeks when watered properly. 

Most cities offer a composting service for old trees. Check out what your area has and drop the tree off after the holidays!