You Can Cut Your Own Christmas Tree In Michigan For Just $5

MICHIGAN — If you don't want to buy a Christmas tree from a farm or lot, you can cut your own for $5 in Michigan.

The Forest Service is offering the opportunity for people to cut their own Christmas trees from national forest lands. In Michigan, that includes certain areas within nearly 3 million acres of federal forest lands at Ottawa, Hiawatha and the Huron-Manistee National Forests.

"Venturing into a local national forest to find that special tree is an experience that creates treasured family memories and stories," USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore said. "It is through these experiences that people establish important connections to the forest that can lead to a lifetime of adventures and instill a commitment to stewardship."

Permits are available for $5 and can be purchased through Recreation.gov. Permits may also be available in person at the national forests’ district offices; call ahead to find out if in-person permits are available.

Officials said the Christmas tree tradition helps the forests' health by thinning densely populated stands of small-diameter trees.