Chopping down a Christmas tree an option for the adventurous this holiday season

If you’re not someone who likes artificial Christmas trees or you don’t feel like competing for the best fresh tree on the lot, there’s always the DIY option.

The province’s Ministry of Environment is reminding people they can chop down their own trees without a permit — but there are some rules.

According to Environment Ministry Forester Bill Thibeault, the rules are pretty simple. If you don’t have a park pass or permit, you can only chop down a tree on vacant Crown land or in provincial forests. Also, the tree has to be for your own use of the use of your family.

“It’s not for commercial purposes,” Thibeault explained. “We tell people to avoid replanted areas, and they shouldn’t cut trees that are taller than four meters. We don’t want people going out and cutting large trees and then just taking the last bit of it at the top to use as a Christmas tree.”

People can cut pretty much any species, with the most popular being fir, spruce or pine trees. Thibeault says cuts should be made within one foot of the ground. People are also encouraged to cut under power lines or road right-of-ways, where trees would normally be cleared anyway.

He says it can be a good outdoor activity, especially with people trying to get outdoors more but also trying to stay a safe distance from others.

“There’s certainly Crown land between Prince Albert and Saskatoon that has the opportunity for getting trees … It’s an outing for a day. You get fresh air. It can be a family activity,” he said.

For those who haven’t cut down their own tree before, Thibeault reminded them to dress for the weather, to recognize that it won’t be an easy walk, and to make sure someone knows where the tree-cutters are going and when they’re expected to return.

Anyone with questions or who wants to confirm that where they want to cut is indeed Crown land can contact a local ministry office.