HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – After Thanksgiving families can get an authentic holiday experience by chopping down their own Christmas tree for free at Land Between the Lakes.
The recreation area consists of more than 170,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and open lands on a peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley in Western Kentucky and Tennessee. With 300 miles of natural shoreline, lake access provides settings for camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and water sports.
Starting on Nov. 28, the Land Between the Lakes permits page will be set for families to obtain a free Christmas Tree Permit. This will only be available through Dec. 24. When visiting, the permit must be displayed on the windshield of the vehicle while looking for the tree. This entitles each family to cut down one cedar tree.
According to LBL, cedar trees can be cut from anywhere on the property except the following locations.
- Within sight of US68/KY80
- Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway
- Cemeteries
- Facilities, including the Elk & Bison Prairie
- Nature Watch Areas
- Campgrounds
- Timber sale areas
- Other mowed areas
Last Christmas, LBL provided the following guidelines to keep in mind while placing a freshly cut tree in a home to keep it in good condition.
- Choose a fresh tree. If needles fall off easily, the tree is dry and can easily catch on fire.
- When setting up your tree, cut the base off two inches above the original cut to help the tree absorb more water.
- Place the tree in a stable, tip-proof container and water it daily.
- Place the tree away from heat sources such as heating vents, wood stoves, or open flames.
- Be sure decorative lights are UL approved and in good condition. Never leave tree lights on while asleep or away from home. LED lights are a great way to save energy.
- Discard the tree when it begins to show signs of drying, such as brown or yellow coloration, or excessive needle dropping.
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