How to cut your own Christmas tree in BC
British Columbia lets residents cut a Christmas tree on Crown land with a free permit. Here's how the permit works, where you can and can't cut, and how to do it safely.
Based on the BC government's Christmas tree permit page and each district's posted permit, checked 2026-11-02.
1. Get your free permit
BC has 23 Natural Resource Districts, and each issues its own Christmas tree permit. You need the permit for the district where you'll cut, not where you live. Find your district by town or location, then:
- PDF districts: print the permit, sign it, and fill in the date.
- Online-form districts: fill in the form and the permit is emailed to you. Some forms only open in late November or December.
- No online permit: contact the district office.
Read the conditions before you sign. They are the rules, and they differ between districts.
2. Where you can cut
Many districts only allow cutting along rights-of-way: the cleared strip under power lines, and the strip along forest roads, which usually reaches 3 metres past the ditch or the edge of the road bank. Trees there are cleared anyway, so taking one does no harm. Some districts also allow open Crown land or unfenced range.
A few districts publish maps of where to cut; each district's page links to them. Choppable's map can check whether you're inside a park, but it can't see private land or plantations.
3. Where you can't cut
- Private land, including hydro lines that cross it, unless the owner says yes
- Plantations on harvested cutblocks, and young stands that have been thinned
- Parks, ecological reserves, conservancies and research areas
- Next to rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands (some permits set 30 or 50 metres)
- Woodlots and community forests, unless the licence holder agrees
4. Cutting it right
- Pick before you cut. Don't cut a big tree just to use its top.
- Cut low. Many permits set a maximum stump height, often 30 cm.
- Mind the size. Many permits cap the tree at under 5 m, some at under 3 m.
- Leave it clean. Scatter branches in the bush, never on the road or in the ditch.
- Keep it personal. No selling, and some permits say the tree can't leave BC.
5. Winter forest roads
Forest service roads are working roads. Expect logging trucks, snow and ice, and no cell signal.
- Winter tires or chains, a full tank, and a shovel
- Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back
- Drive with headlights on and pull well over for oncoming trucks
- Saw, gloves, and rope or straps to tie the tree down
Questions
Do I need a permit to cut a Christmas tree in BC?
Yes. To cut a tree on Crown land you need a free personal-use permit from the Natural Resource District where you will cut. Cutting without one, or cutting more trees than the permit allows, can lead to the tree being seized and enforcement action.
How much does a Christmas tree permit cost in BC?
Nothing. The permit is free. Some districts offer it as a PDF you print and sign, others as an online form, and a few through the district office.
Where can I cut a Christmas tree on Crown land?
It depends on the district. Many only allow cutting on power line and forest road rights-of-way; a road right-of-way usually reaches 3 metres past the ditch or road bank. Others allow vacant Crown land more widely. Your permit says where.
Where am I not allowed to cut?
Private land, plantations on harvested cutblocks, research areas, parks and ecological reserves, areas next to rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands, young spaced stands, and any area reserved for another use.
How many Christmas trees can I cut?
Most BC permits allow one tree. Last season a few allowed more: Prince George (3), Skeena Stikine (3), Quesnel (2). Check the number on your permit.
Is there a height limit?
Many permits cap the tree at under 5 metres, and some at under 3 metres. Several also limit stump height, often to 30 centimetres.
Can I sell a tree I cut with a free permit?
No. The permit is for personal use only. Selling or trading the tree is not allowed.
Do I need to carry the permit?
Yes. Carry it while you cut and while you drive the tree home, and show it to a natural resource, conservation or police officer if asked.
What if my district does not issue permits?
Chilliwack district does not issue Christmas tree permits. Visit a u-cut farm instead, or check whether a neighbouring district you are allowed to travel to issues permits.
When can I cut?
Most permits are valid through late December, often until December 24 or 25. Some run to January 31, and a few are valid for a set time after you sign. The dates are on your permit.
