Can you cut down any tree for Christmas in California? See prohibited areas, fines

It’s the holiday season — and folks across California are getting into the spirit with twinkling lights, decorated trees and festive displays.

If you’re still looking for a Christmas tree, several lots and stores have plenty to choose from.

What if you want to go the extra mile and cut down your own tree? Can you bring home any evergreen in California for the holidays?

The Sacramento Bee went searching for the answer as part of How to California, a community-driven series to help readers navigate life in the Golden State.

Here’s what we found:

Can you cut down any tree for Christmas in California?

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, you can’t just cut down any tree you find in the state.

The state Fish and Wildlife Department “does NOT allow cutting of Christmas trees on (its) lands,” the state department wrote in an email statement to The Bee on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

The agency is responsible for managing more than 1.1 million acres of wildlife habitat across 700-plus properties statewide, including state parks and national wildlife refuges.

“These properties provide habitat for a rich diversity of fish, wildlife and plant species and comprise habitats from every major ecosystem in the state,” the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said on its website.

However, the state agency said, the U.S. Forest Service allows members of the public to harvest holiday trees on “some of their lands or forests with permits.”

Where can I cut my own Christmas tree in California?

To legally cut down your own Christmas tree in California, you can visit a designated tree farm or apply for a permit to harvest one from certain national forests, according to Recreation.gov

The U.S. Forest Service offers holiday tree permits, allowing the public to enjoy a “memorable experience” with family and friends while helping maintain healthy forests, the agency said on its website.

“Christmas tree permits are a unique opportunity to help thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees,” the Forest Service said on its website, and “help reduce hazardous fuel ladders that have built up over years of fire suppression.”

According to the U.S. Forest Service, you can cut down your own Christmas tree at the following national parks:

• Eldorado National Forest
• Inyo National Forest
• Klamath National Forest
• Mendocino National Forest
• Modoc National Forest
• Plumas National Forest
• Sequoia National Forest
• Shasta Trinity National Forest
• Six Rivers National Forest
• Stanislaus National Forest
• Tahoe National Forest

The majority of permits are issued through the U.S. Forest Service’s website at Recreation.gov, while a limited number are also available in-person at district offices.

How can I cut my own Christmas tree at a national forest?

You can find an interactive map of national forests participating in the 2025 Christmas tree permit program at Recreation.gov.

In addition, each national forest has district offices that can provide information and maps of designated areas where you’ll be able to cut your tree.

“Each forest will have specific guidelines and season dates for cutting a Christmas tree,” the agency said. “Purchase your Christmas tree permit in advance of your visit to the forest in your area.”

You’ll need to print your permit and carry it with you through the forest as you search for your tree.

Depending on which forest you visit, there may be limitations on the size and type of tree you can cut.

How much do Christmas tree permits cost in California?

In California, most Christmas tree permits purchased through the Forest Service’s program cost $10, plus a $2.50 reservation fee.

Purchases are typically limited to two permits per household.

Fourth-grade students in California can sign up for the Every Kid Outdoors pass, which makes them eligible to receive a free Christmas tree permit.

The Every Kid Outdoors pass also grants your child access to more than 2,000 federally managed lands and water sites across the country for an entire year.

What do I need to bring to cut down Christmas trees?

According to U.S. Forest Service officials, it’s a good idea to bring the following tools into the forest:

• A map. Don’t rely on GPS or your phone.
• Canvas to wrap the tree in to prevent wind damage during transport.
• Measuring tape so you can choose a tree that will fit in your home. 
• Handsaw to cut the tree.
• Gloves to protect your hands.
• Wear boots to protect your feet.
• A tarp to sit on, or to move your tree once you cut it
• Rope or straps to secure the tree to your car. 
• Dress warmly and bring extra dry clothes with you, and “expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and winds.”
• Plenty of food and water and an overnight survival kit in case you become stranded. 

It’s also a good idea to start your day early so you can find your tree and leave the woods well before dark.

While tree cutting is permitted in most of the forests through the end of December, forest officials recommend cutting earlier in the season before ice and snowpack make higher elevations inaccessible, the Sacramento Bee previously reported.

What are penalties for illegally harvesting trees in California?

According to California Penal Code, you cannot cut, damage or remove plants, including trees, on government land, public spaces or someone else’s property without permission.

To legally remove plants from private land, California law says, you need a written permit from the landowner, including the type and amount of plants you plan to take.

According to the state, these rules not apply to state or local employees doing their jobs — such as utility workers “protecting or maintaining an electric power line, telephone line, or other property of a public utility.”

Breaking this law is considered a misdemeanor, according to California law.

This can lead to a fine of up to $1,000, jail time of up to six months or both.

Angela Rodriguez

The Modesto Bee

279-386-2738

Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.