Alberta’s government has removed the $5 fee for harvesting up to three Christmas trees from Crown land for personal use. 

Government says they hope this will make it easier for individuals to get their own Christmas trees and firewood from Alberta’s 87 million acres of forested land. 

Through the Personal Use Forest Products Permit, Albertans will receive a map of where they can go to access their trees. Permits can be obtained online. For a confirmation email that includes a digital version of the permit, Albertans must click "view" after completing all steps. If you have any questions, reach out to one of Alberta’s forest area offices. 

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, says, “I hope Albertans take the time to go out with their families to find the perfect Christmas tree this year. Alberta has so much to offer and we’re blessed to live in the most free and open place in the world.” 

A Personal Use Forest Products Permit is valid for 30 days. During that 30-day period, the permit holder may harvest up to: 

  • three Christmas trees 
  • five cubic metres of firewood 
  • five cubic metres of roundwood, often used for fence posts and rails 
  • 20 tree transplants 

Five cubic metres represents about three level truckloads

For more information on tree cutting permits for personal use, visit Alberta.ca.