Land Between the Lakes will once again be offering permits to the public for free cedar trees for Christmas.
Yvonne Antes, silviculturist at LBL, says taking the family out into the woods to look for the perfect Christmas tree is a great holiday tradition. She says you can check along roadsides or within old forest openings to find your tree. She notes the cedar tree program also helps Land Between the Lakes maintain open lands and promote diverse wildlife habitat.
According to Antes, free cedar Christmas tree permits and information including maps and cutting guidelines will be available Friday, November 26 through Christmas Eve, December 24 in LBL. She says a permit entitles a family to cut one cedar tree between these dates in the national recreation area except:
– Within sight of U.S. Highway 68/80
– Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway
– Cemeteries
– Nature Watch Areas
– Campgrounds
– Facilities, including the Elk & Bison Prairie
– Other mowed areas
When choosing a Christmas tree to cut down, Antes says trees must be cedar, less than 10 feet tall, and stumps must be less than 4 inches tall. She notes chain saws can be used, but the use of trucks, winches, tractors or other heavy equipment is prohibited.
Whether families cut or purchase a tree, Antes says they should follow these safety guidelines for choosing and using a cut tree in their home this Christmas. Those guidelines include:
– Choose a fresh tree. If needles fall off easily, the tree is dry and can easily catch fire.
– When setting up your tree, cut the base off two inches above the original cut to help the tree absorb more water.
– Place the tree in a stable, tip-proof container and water it daily.
– Place the tree away from heat sources such as heating vents, wood stoves, or open flames.
– Be sure decorative lights are UL approved and in good condition. Never leave tree lights on while asleep or away from home. LED lights are a great way to save energy.
– Discard the tree when it begins to show signs of drying, such as brown or yellow coloration, or excessive needle dropping.
Permits for a free cedar Christmas tree can be obtained online at www.landbetweenthelakes.us/reservations.
