Our annual Christmas Tree hunt is a family tradition passed down from my husband's side of the family. With our free Christmas Tree Cutting permit in hand, we ventured out to one of Alberta's forested areas in search of the perfect tree. We...
Our annual Christmas Tree hunt is a family tradition passed down from my husband's side of the family. With our free Christmas Tree Cutting permit in hand, we ventured out to one of Alberta's forested areas in search of the perfect tree. We ventured out to an area south of Chip Lake, Alberta about an hour and a half drive from Edmonton. As there was little snow this year, the tree hunt was a leisurely walk in the woods. I was especially happy that the day was also warm. Gone is our old tradition of heading out on the coldest day of the month. That is one tradition that I am happy to part with.
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits are available online and for free from the Province of Alberta. The permit is called the Personal Use Forest Products Permit. Permits are available to residents of Alberta who are at least 18 years old and are in...
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits are available online and for free from the Province of Alberta. The permit is called the Personal Use Forest Products Permit. Permits are available to residents of Alberta who are at least 18 years old and are in good standing the Crown in relation to timber, grazing and land use.
With a quick phone call to the province, the staff let us know where to look for the type of tree that we wanted. They also provided us with maps and guidance so that we knew where to look and what rules to follow for our annual Christmas Tree...
With a quick phone call to the province, the staff let us know where to look for the type of tree that we wanted. They also provided us with maps and guidance so that we knew where to look and what rules to follow for our annual Christmas Tree hunt family tradition. Then it is simply a walk in the woods. Well, a walk through the forested areas of Alberta's Crown lands to find the perfect tree.
Our first tip is to be patient, which I never am. Take your time and don't necessarily pick the first ok tree that you find. Look for a tree that has a straight trunk and walk around it to see how it looks from all sides. Try to find a tree that...
Our first tip is to be patient, which I never am. Take your time and don't necessarily pick the first ok tree that you find. Look for a tree that has a straight trunk and walk around it to see how it looks from all sides. Try to find a tree that is nice and full and doesn't have any big holes in it. Once you find 'The' tree, cut near the base, no more than 30cm above the ground.
Beyond the experience of creating a nostalgic Christmas family tradition, real trees are simply more magical. Personally, I love the way the how the pine needles make the house smell like Christmas. Additionally, real trees are good for the...
Beyond the experience of creating a nostalgic Christmas family tradition, real trees are simply more magical. Personally, I love the way the how the pine needles make the house smell like Christmas. Additionally, real trees are good for the environment. It takes an average of seven years for a tree to grow to Christmas Tree size. During this time, one Christmas Tree can absorb approximately 1 tonne of CO2!
I love real Christmas Trees and love the one we picked this year. We enjoy the rustic look that pines have. The space between the branches on the pine trees leaves plenty of space to hang our ornaments. Our tree isn't a fashion tree. It is more...
I love real Christmas Trees and love the one we picked this year. We enjoy the rustic look that pines have. The space between the branches on the pine trees leaves plenty of space to hang our ornaments. Our tree isn't a fashion tree. It is more like a memory tree as we collect Christmas ornaments during our family's adventures each year. We have fun decorating the tree each year and remembering all of the fun adventures that we have been on over the years.
An annual Christmas Tree hunt makes for a fun family tradition. It is a good excuse for an outdoor adventure and to spend a fun day with the family. Plus, a real Christmas Tree is just a little bit more magical and brings a little bit more of the...
An annual Christmas Tree hunt makes for a fun family tradition. It is a good excuse for an outdoor adventure and to spend a fun day with the family. Plus, a real Christmas Tree is just a little bit more magical and brings a little bit more of the holiday spirit, doesn't it?
Granted, a real tree takes slightly more effort than a fake one. But watering it really isn't that hard. Wondering what to do with a real tree after the holidays? Real Christmas Trees make excellent firewood if you have a bonfire pit. Or you can...
Granted, a real tree takes slightly more effort than a fake one. But watering it really isn't that hard. Wondering what to do with a real tree after the holidays? Real Christmas Trees make excellent firewood if you have a bonfire pit. Or you can donate them to a local Christmas Tree burn event which is always fun. We like to donate our tree to a nearby wildlife sanctuary to create a more natural habitat for the animals in their care.
Nothing beats the warmth and crackle of a fire while enjoying a cup of tea (or a glass of wine). There is nothing quite like relaxing and admiring the perfect Christmas Tree after spending a winter's day adventuring outside with the family.
Blue Spruce are my favourites. I get those by volunteering with the Nature Conservancy some years. I have been thinking of checking out lodgepole pine this year through the Jr. Warden program. I have never had one of those yet. What kind is that you picked? More ...