Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

In a program offered annually at the nearby public lands, Lake Wales area residents are able to cut their own tree, but they have to use a hand-saw to do the work. No power tools are allowed in the forest. A tree-cutting permit costs only $10, a great deal when fresh trees cut in other states and brought to Florida cost far more.

Available trees are 10 feet to 15 feet tall, but may be trimmed back to the desired size after leaving the forest.

Trees will be harvested along School Bus Road on the Arbuckle Tract of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest in Frostproof. Trees are available for $10 and will require a special use permit available from the Forest Service office.

Anyone interested will need to bring their own hand saw, power saws are not allowed. Sand Pines 15 feet or less in height can be harvested.

For questions, please contact Nathan Bartosek at (863)589-0528 or our Lake Wales

Ridge State Forest office at (863)589-0545