In the 1965 holiday classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Lucy tells Charlie to go pick out a “big, big, shiny aluminum” tree for the Christmas play.
Charlie avoided the over-commercialization of Christmas and chose a small green tree that needed a home. Central Floridians now have the opportunity to cut down their own “Charlie Brown” Christmas tree at a special event this Saturday at D Ranch Preserve, a 476-acre public land owned and managed by the Conservancy of Florida in western Volusia County.
Community members who participate and take home Florida pines are actually assisting the nonprofit in managing the preserve.
“For years, fire didn’t move as naturally through the preserve as it once did. Now, linden can grow unchecked and crowd out other native plants,” Sara Shepard, communications director for the Florida Conservancy, said in an email. “When you come to harvest your Christmas tree, you are helping restore the delicate balance of the ecosystem and all the wildlife that depends on it.”
By contributing to rock pine removal, visitors can reduce wildfire risk, improve wildlife habitat, and support the health of native plant species.
Guests can be picked up and dropped off by trail tram or hike to a designated logging area and have a team member guide them to the pine trees suitable for logging. The family-friendly event requires visitors to bring a hand saw (no chainsaws allowed), protective gloves, and a tarp or canvas to transport the tree.
A $25 donation is recommended to secure a spot at the event, and all confirmed guests will receive a 30-minute harvest window. Reservations can be made through Eventbrite.
Unlike the strong, full-bodied firs brought to Florida from the north, Florida’s sand pine has sparse and weak branches. However, a proper Florida tree would be a welcome addition to any home when decorated with dried oranges and Sunshine State-themed decorations.
Still, cutting a tree yourself is much cheaper than buying a live fir, which can cost anywhere from $65 to $150 or more. The opportunity also comes at a time when tariffs of more than 30% could mean higher prices for consumers on Christmas decorations and artificial trees imported from China, according to the American Christmas Tree Association.
Deltona’s Lyonia Preserve, one of Central Florida’s remaining shrub habitats, also relies on fire, but there are limited opportunities for prescribed burns to prevent overgrowth and invasive plants. The preserve will open Dec. 13 to allow visitors to cut down their own sand pines to help maintain the habitat that sustains Florida’s native scrub jay population.
Reservations for Lyonia Preserve events must be made by registering on Eventbrite or by calling 386-789-7207. 21028. Please bring a lopper, hand saw, and gloves.
The U.S. Forest Service issues $10 pre-tree permits to cut down Florida sand pines from the Ocala National Forest. There are two designated areas for the harvest period, which ends on December 25th.
Forest visitors may use a handsaw or chainsaw and must cut down trees up to 25 feet in height, leaving a maximum height of 6 inches on the stump. Permits and maps are available at recreation.gov/tree-permits.
On select dates through Dec. 20, Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest in Eustis allows families to cut down their own tree for $45. Saws can be rented on site. The family farm has 17 acres of trees, including Florida sand pine, red cedar, and Arizona cypress.
In addition to selected and cut trees, the venue also stocks pre-cut wood from the north. For an admission fee of $4 to $13, depending on the date, visitors can also enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, giant bouncy pillows, and more.
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Families can cut down their own trees in Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest
If you go
D Ranch Preserve will host logging visitors on Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at 2655 Reed Ellis Road in Osteen. A $25 donation is suggested and reservations are required at eventbrite.com. For more information, visit conservationfla.org/event.
From 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 13, people will be visiting Lyonia Preserve, 2150 Eustace Ave. in Deltona, to cut down a bush pine. Free events require advance reservations at eventbrite.com.
Ocala National Forest allows visitors to cut down sand pines for a permit of $10 per tree. This period is open until December 25th in certain areas designated for Christmas tree harvesting. For more information, permits and maps, visit fs.usda.gov or recreation.gov.
Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest, located at 35317 Hough Road in Eustis, is open on select days through Dec. 20 for visitors to cut their own trees. Ticket prices range from $4 to $13. Children ages 2 and under are admitted free. For more information, visit santaschristmastreeforest.com.
