Stalking The Wild And Wily Christmas Tree
‘Tis the season to head for the forest and bring home a Christmas tree. The search is part of the spirit and magic of Christmas, symbolizing the unity of friends and family. It is often the centerpiece of the holiday celebration.
Searching for the right tree is a time-honored, holiday tradition, whether you’re tramping through a forest for one that is often affectionately called a Charlie Brown tree (because of its open spaces) or walking down the plantation rows of manicured (full and shaped) trees at U-cut tree farms.
With a permit, anyone can cut a Christmas tree on national forest lands. Permits for the Colville National Forest cost $2; they’re $3 for the Idaho Panhandle and Clearwater National Forests. The permit must be attached to the tree before it’s placed in your vehicle, and it comes with an information guide, offering cutting tips and noting various regulations.
There are no special areas designated for harvesting Christmas trees, but some areas - such as campgrounds and recreation sites - are off-limits to cutting. If you do not already know where to look for a Christmas tree, maps are available at Forest Service offices.
Anyone cutting a Christmas tree on forested land should check with the district office for land ownership information. Some lands within or bordering a national forest may belong to other public land agencies or private landowners. Cutting a tree on these properties may be considered theft and trespassing.
Choosing the species of tree you want is part of the fun.
The most common choice is a fir species because of its fragrance and soft needles. Firs tend to have more open branches, which permit the ornaments and tinsel to hang gracefully. But the branches of most firs bend easily and can’t support heavy ornaments without considerable drooping.
Spruce trees are pretty because of their varied colors and are fragrant and full, but their needles are more prickly.
Pine trees offer a bushier appearance and are generally the choice for tree flocking.
Before you leave home, measure the height and diameter of tree your home can accommodate. And be sure to take a saw. When harvesting a tree, cut the stem off below the lowest live limb or no more than six inches above the ground, whichever is lowest. Avoid cutting trees with a 4-inch diameter or greater. Do not cut tall trees just to get the top. What may appear as a full top from the ground will likely be a disappointment after the tree is cut down. (And it will probably break off anyway when it hits the ground.)
Whenever possible, select a tree from thickets or overstocked areas, located at least 200 feet off the road.
If you can’t make it into the forest to cut your own tree, there are U-cut tree farms. The farms will provide assistance in selecting and cutting a tree, and many offer amenities such as hay or sleigh rides, warming fires and refreshments. Saws are provided. Available species may include grand fir, blue spruce, Scotch pine, Norway spruce, and balsam, fraser and concolor fir. The price generally starts at about $25, depending on selected species and size. Some will be open Dec. 24 for last-minute shoppers.
Here are some area U-cut tree farms:
Camden Ranch Christmas Trees, 1521 Willms Road, Elk, 292-2543
Green Bluff Christmas Tree Farm, 8022 E. Green Bluff Road, Colbert, 238-4067 or 238-6742
Santa’s Tree Farm, 538 W. Sumner, Spokane, 838-9891
Summerlin Christmas Trees, 35015 N. Dalton Road, Deer Park, 276-6540
Sunwest Farms, 21113 W. Sunwest Ave., Medical Lake, 299-5300
The Agidius Farm in Moscow, Idaho is a small operation, offering mostly grand firs at a starting price of $12. (208) 882-4448
The Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint Chambers of Commerce report no listings for u-cut tree farms in their respective areas.
U.S. Forest Service offices
Most district Forest Service offices are open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and are closed on weekends. Some may offer extended hours during the Christmas tree cutting season.
District and main offices have maps, road closure information, tree identification brochures, guidelines for cutting trees, and Christmas tree permits.
Colville National Forest
U.S. Forest Service Information Office, 400 S. Jefferson, Room 206, Spokane. Office hours are 7 a.m to 4 p.m, weekdays. Permits for either Idaho Panhandle ($3) or Colville National Forests ($2) are available. 353-2574
Colville Ranger District, Colville, 684-4557
Kettle Falls Ranger District, Kettle Falls, (509) 738-6111.
Newport Ranger District, Newport, (509) 447-3129.
Republic Ranger District, Republic, (509) 775-3305.
Sullivan Lake Ranger District, Metaline Falls, (509) 446-2681.
Idaho Panhandle National Forest
Supervisor’s Office, Idaho Panhandle National Forest, 3815 Schreiber Way, Coeur d’Alene. Office hours are 7:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Only Idaho permits for $3 are available. (208) 765-7223.
Clearwater National Forest
Supervisor’s Office, Clearwater National Forest, Orofino, Idaho. Office hours are 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Only Idaho permits for $3 are available. (208) 476-4541.
For more information
The Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association, based in Salem, Ore., offers a free Choose & Cut Guide. It lists more than 120 Christmas tree farms in Oregon and Washington and the respective services they provide. To request a copy, call (503) 364-2942, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Copies of the free guide also are available from the Spokane Chamber of Commerce, 1020 W. Riverside. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays-Fridays.
xxxx CHRISTMAS TREE CUT ‘N’ CARRY POINTERS Going prepared Christmas tree harvesting, like any other winter activity in national forests, requires some safety preparations. Be prepared for cold weather and snow. Dress warmly and carry extra dry clothes for everyone in the car. Traction devices, a shovel and bag of sand should be carried in all vehicles before entering the forest in winter. Warm beverages and snacks add to the festive spirit of a Christmas tree hunt. It is a good practice to tell a friend where you will be going and when you plan to return. For your safety, stick to your itinerary.
Care of your tree Proper care of your harvested tree will keep it looking fresh. A freshly cut tree should last about 10 days before drying out in a warm room. Here are some pointers: If transported on top of your car, wrap the tree in a tarp (big end facing the front) to prevent the wind from stripping needles off the boughs and from drying out the needles. The tarp also keeps road mud off your tree. Make a fresh cut on the butt to open the pores, cutting off at least one-half inch. The fresh-cut surface should be creamy white, not yellow or brown. Without a fresh cut, the tree won’t be able to drink water. Until the tree is trimmed, keep the trunk (with a fresh cut) in a bucket of water and store it in a cold area sheltered from the wind. Wind will quickly dry out the needles. Place the tree in a sturdy stand, preferably one which will hold at least one gallon of water. An average tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water a day. Check the water level daily and refill with fresh water as needed. If the water level drops below the cut end of the trunk, a seal will form and no more water can be absorbed by the tree. Miniature lights produce less heat and will reduce the drying effects of the lighting upon the tree. Check light sets for worn, cracked or frayed wire insulation, and replace broken sockets before placing the lights on the tree. Turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or retiring for the night. Keep the tree away from all heat sources, such as heating vents, radiators, fireplaces, wood stoves or sunny windows. After Christmas, recycle your tree. Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.