Find the Perfect Holiday Tree in Mammoth Lakes

November 20, 2023

Nothing makes your home feel more seasonally festive than the scent of pine. The twinkling lights and carefully hung ornaments are a holiday tradition for many families.

Whether you have your heart set on a classic fir tree or a Charlie Brown-style Christmas tree, you’ll be able to find and cut your own holiday tree from the designated areas near Mammoth Lakes.

Since you are cutting a live tree, you will not have hard time selecting one with fresh green needles that fill your house with the fresh scent of pine. There are many types of pines in the region, however the two that are most popular for cutting are pinyon and fir. “The quintessential fir trees are going to be found north of here,” says Jennifer Genstler, manager for the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association. “Pinyons are the bushier shorter tree that smells really good because they have a tendency to be more resinous.”

What You Need to Cut Your Own Holiday Tree in Mammoth Lakes

Permit – The first and most important thing you need to cut your own holiday tree in the Mammoth Lakes region is a permit. At $5-10 per tag (depending on the cutting area), it’s a bargain not to mention a memorable holiday experience. Go to the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center or the White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop to get your permit and tree tag.

Area Map and Regulations – When you pay for your permit, you’ll be given a map of the zones for holiday tree cutting and a list of regulations. Be sure to read this list thoroughly and ask any questions before setting out to harvest a tree. There are two zones for tree cutting near Mammoth Lakes. To the north is the Bridgeport Ranger District/Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest area and to the southeast is the Bishop Bureau of Land Management/Green Creek Cutting area.

Chainsaw and Shovel – You’ll need a chainsaw to cut down your holiday tree. If you don’t own one, team up with a friend and go out together. Know how to use the chainsaw before going holiday tree cutting and bring a shovel incase a spark starts a fire.

Boots, Protective Glasses, Gloves – In addition to warm winter clothing, you’ll want to wear sturdy boots for walking through the forest. Protective glasses will keep your eyes safe while cutting and gloves are a good idea for handling the chainsaw and carry the tree back to your car.

Getting the Perfect Holiday Tree Back to Your Condo

Before you head out to find the your holiday tree, make sure to clear a space in your living room and get your tree, stand ready. According to the National Fire Protection Association, you should place your tree at least three feet always from any heat source. Consider the size of the tree and how you will get it home before cutting the tree. You’ll also want to consider the distance you need to carry the tree back to your car before cutting it. Please do not drive off of designated roads. You may need a few extra hands to carry the tree, so bring of gloves for everyone. If you have a car or SUV with racks you will need plenty of rope to tie your tree to the roof. You will be driving 45 to 60 minutes on the highway to get back to Mammoth Lakes and the region is known to be windy so be very careful to make sure your tree is secure. Even if you have a truck make sure to use rope to secure the tree in your truck bed.

Where to Buy a Holiday Tree in Mammoth Lakes

Looking for the perfect holiday tree without the hassle of cutting one down? Head to the Mammoth High School Boosters tree lot at Outbound Mammoth from November 30 to December 24, where you can support a local cause while picking out a beautiful, fresh tree! With a variety of sizes to choose from, there’s a perfect tree waiting to make your holiday season shine. But don’t wait too long—tree supplies will become limited as Christmas draws near, so plan ahead to secure your festive centerpiece!

Author

Monica Prelle

Monica Prelle is an outdoors, wine, and travel writer who would rather be running, climbing, or mountain biking.

What You Need to Cut Your Own Holiday Tree in Mammoth Lakes

Getting the Perfect Holiday Tree Back to Your Condo

Where to Buy a Holiday Tree in Mammoth Lakes

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