Christmas Tree Permits in Arizona

Christmas tree cutting in Arizona is an annual holiday tradition a lot of families look forward to. Before that blessed event takes place, you have to get a Christmas tree permit. Christmas tree permits in Arizona are only sold to families and individuals--no companies, schools or other groups are allowed to buy them. Only one permit is allowed for each person or family each year, and the trees cannot be more than 10 feet tall.

The application process begins in September and October. People used to be able enter a drawing or apply for a permit online but the process has since changed, and now there are specially designated retail stores where you must go in order to get a Christmas tree permit in Arizona. In 2008, Big 5 Sporting Goods stores in Flagstaff, Prescott, and about a dozen Phoenix valley locations issued the permits.

Christmas tree permits in Arizona are very popular and they go fast because many people want to cut down their own Christmas trees. In 2008 a total of 3,850 permits were issued for $15 each, and they were sold out by December 11. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest had 2,100 tags available for all species in their tree-cutting areas, the The Kaibab National Forest had 1,000 tags available for one cutting area (Tusayan ranger district) restricted to piñon or juniper, the Prescott National Forest had 450 tags available for any tree species in two recommended cutting areas, and the Tonto National Forest had 300 tags for either piñon or juniper trees for a single cutting area around Payson.

In Arizona, Christmas trees are allowed to be harvested from November 22 through Christmas Eve. The Christmas tree permits include details on where you can cut the tree, directions on how to cut it, a fact sheet, and safety information. You must keep your permit in a safe place and use your permit while it's valid; otherwise you will not be able to cut your tree, as duplicate permits are not issued.

There's nothing like cutting down your own real live Christmas tree for the holiday season, but since the drawing has been discontinued you really have to scramble in order to get a Christmas tree permit. For information on permits and the vendors selling them, you can call the Christmas tree hotline at 602-225-5258 for up-to-date information on Arizona Christmas tree permits.

Christmas tree permits in Arizona are a hot commodity. Once they are sold out, you'll have to wait until the next Christmas holiday to get one, so it's better to get one as soon as you can. Since they are issued on a first come, first serve basis, I recommend you go to a designated vendor the very first day they are available. The sooner you get there, the better chance you have of getting your Christmas tree permit.