How to find and cut down your own perfect Christmas tree

Calgarians wanting to take a more traditional approach to finding the perfect Christmas tree can head to one of three forestry areas west of the city.

You just need to get a permit from a forestry office first — there's one at 8660 Bearspaw Dam Road N.W. and another at 3115 12th Street N.E. — at a cost of $5.25, allowing holders to harvest up to three trees, as long as they're under 2.5 metres in height.

Those who want to take a taller tree have to get prior permission from a forest officer, and are limited to just one.  

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Permits can also be found online.

The three areas where trees can be cut are the Elbow Cutting Area, around Bragg Creek and Sibbald Flats, the Ghost Cutting Area, around Waiparous, and the Turner Valley Cutting Area in the Highwood area.

A map is included when you buy a permit, showing where trees can be cut.

"You want a tree that's in the open, to be able to grow and have those lush branches," said forest officer Chris Joly.

"Everybody thinks pine trees versus spruce trees, versus fir trees. The type of ideal tree I look for is a spruce tree, I find they have fuller branches."

Joly recommends making sure you're dressed for the weather, and have plenty of gas in your vehicle.

"You want to be prepared for winter driving," he said. "Make sure you have warm clothes as well as food and water, and be aware of road conditions."

Around 10 permits a day are issued during an average holiday season, said Joly.

When you do find the tree you want to take home, Joly says to try and cut it as close to the ground as possible.

"The lower the better," he said.

"The reason we want to cut it low is because other people, other wildlife utilize this forest too and we don't want to cause a tripping hazard for them."

Make sure it's securely fastened to your vehicle when transporting it home, and once it's in a tree holder, Joly says to make sure it's got some water, so it stays fresh through the holidays.

"I think the process of actually going out and finding your tree is a lot more special, especially with family and friends," he said.

"It just brings back the Albertan tradition of taking a Christmas tree out of the forest."

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