Here is a blast from the past that I originally wrote back in 2007 and have just posted it as well on my Denver Real Estate Blog: Cutting Down a Colorado Christmas Tree - but I have updated it a bit. The new version here contains all current links for permits, as many of the old links from the original no longer work.
Cutting down a Colorado Christmas Tree? You'll Need More Than A Good Saw!
One of the common things I hear from clients once they have relocated to Colorado -is they just can't wait to cut down their first Colorado Christmas tree. While this sure tends to be a popular event, you need to be prepared in advance or you are going to be out of luck.
What most people don't realize when they are new to the area, that to cut down a tree in the national forest, you need a permit from the forest service. And these do sell out, so it's not something you can just decide the day before. Here is one of the popular areas for Denver residents - Buffalo Creek. If you are planning on this spot, purchase your pass quickly as it does tend to be one of the first permit areas to sell out & some dates already are. There are others nearby such as the Rampart Range area south of the Denver area toward Colorado Springs or you can venture further into the foothills and mountains and make a whole day of it. All of the areas through the Forest Service can be found here for Colorado and all of the Denver Front Range areas are summarized here.
Getting a permit to cut a tree in the national forest is not difficult, you just need to know how to go about it. Fortunately the Forest Service web site is extremely helpful and has several links to guide you to the information that you need. (very inexpensively I might add) once you have picked a date & location. There is all sorts of information to help keep you safe (hours you can go, remember to fill your tank, bring chains for your tires in case it snows) to tips on how to keep your tree alive in your home longer. Almost all of the locations do require four wheel drive vehicles and almost all the links on the Forest service sites give you an update on current weather conditions - there already has been a good deal of snow in many of the mountain areas and this is something to consider when heading out for the day to make sure you are prepared, warm, dry & safe.
Its important to know how to care for your tree once its indoors, and if you are new to Denver this will be a little different than in other locations. Due to the very low humidity and our altitude, cut trees require a lot of water - more than you may be used to. And of course if a tree dries out it is a tremendous fire hazard which is just plain ol' scary. It is not uncommon to see trees being pulled out of homes before Christmas in the Denver area - because they just got too dry. If this happens to you, don't risk it - take it down. But if you follow some of the guidelines on the forest service page (even if you didn't cut it down with them) it can help you preserve your live tree longer.
Oh, and don't bring a chain saw - they are not allowed. A good hand saw will do the trick.
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