Where to find a Christmas tree this year

CHELAN COUNTY – With the holiday season underway, families in the Wenatchee Valley have several options for sourcing their Christmas trees, ranging from locally operated tree sales supporting community causes to permits for cutting trees in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

For a convenient option with a good cause, Wenatchee's Best Christmas Trees offers a selection of noble, Fraser, Douglas, Nordmann, and grand firs, in addition to spruce. Prices range from $40 to $200, depending on size and type of tree. The trees are sourced from Lynden and Elma and are cut the day before pick up each week. 

A portion of the proceeds supports local students in need. Brad Wagner, who operates the tree sales, says the funds are typically donated as gift cards for essential items, redeemable at places like Albertsons, American Shoe Shop, and Stan’s Merry Mart. They are distributed to family liaison officers in East Wenatchee and Wenatchee schools, who then provide them to families requiring assistance. Each year, Wenatchee's Best Christmas Trees raises between four to six thousand dollars.

In East Wenatchee, Annie’s Fun Farm sells noble, grand, and Nordmann fir trees, along with wreaths, garland, and tree supplies. Prices range from $65 to $175, depending on type and size. The farm is located on the corner of Grant Road and South Mary Avenue and is open at 11 a.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tree sales end at 6 p.m., according to the farm’s Facebook page. Tree buyers can stay for the Nelson Family Lights show, which takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Annie’s Fun Farm each night. 

In Cashmere, Shelton’s Tree Farm has seven acres of various spruce and fir trees for selection. Guests may choose to walk the farm to select their tree or call up to 24 hours in advance to pick up a ready-to-go tree, according to their website. Trees are $120 for any kind, any size. On-site cutters can assist with cutting and transporting the tree to a vehicle, or guests may opt to cut the tree themselves with available handsaws. The farm provides twine for securing the tree for transport. The tree farm is open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 15.

Those looking to cut their own tree will need to acquire a $5 Christmas tree permit to remove a tree from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Permits can be purchased online at recreation.gov, from Ranger District offices, and various businesses. Free permits are available to all Fourth Graders with an Every Kid Outdoors Pass or voucher. Each permit is for one tree, and two permits may be issued per family.

The Forest Service recommends high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles for winter forest road travel. traction devices, a shovel, warm clothing, blankets, flashlight, first aid kit, saw, tarp, and rope for securing the tree.

The Forest Service has issued guidelines for where and how to cut trees within the National Forest. Trees cannot be removed within Wilderness Areas, fire closure areas, in active timber sale areas, or privately owned and state managed land within the National Forest boundary. Additionally, trees may not be removed from tree plantations, campgrounds, administrative sites, areas specifically posted, or within 150 feet of any stream, lake, pond, or wetland area.

Trees with a maximum height of 15 feet may be cut or dug up and removed. Cut trees should be cut with no more than a 6-inch stump remaining. Holes must be filled after digging up and removing a tree. After cutting or removing the tree, peel and attach the Christmas tree permit sticker by wrapping it around the tree trunk between limbs, where it is visible in transit.

For permits, maps, and guidelines, visit recreation.gov/tree-permits/okawen.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media