DENVER - Each year, the U.S. Forest Service sells permits to cut trees in designated areas in the Pike, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests near the metro area.

Permits cost $10. One permit per tree, limit five per person. Permits in some areas went on sale Nov. 1. Others are not available until December. For information on how to purchase a permit, click on the link in the area you want to visit.

Caring for a tree

According to the U.S. Forest Service, soaking the trunk of a tree in a bucket with the following mixture will make it virtually fireproof:
- 2 gallons of hot water
- 2 cups of corn syrup
- 2 ounces of liquid bleach
- 2 pinches of epsom salts (sold by drugstores)
- 1/2 teaspoon of borax (sold by supermarkets)
- 1 teaspoon of chelated iron (from garden shops)

The syrup provides sugar, which allows the tree to absorb far more water than when it was growing in the forest - as much as a gallon and a half during the two-week period your tree may be up, assuming you water it twice a day. The borax makes the mixture move to every needle, and the salts and iron facilitate the production of chlorophyll, keeping the tree green. The bleach keeps mold from forming in the sweet liquid.

Cutting your own Christmas tree helpful hints

- Check road conditions before you leave home. The Colorado Transportation Department makes regular updates on its statewide hotline at 303-639-1111.
- Be prepared for winter weather and take warm boots and gloves and dress in layers so you can shed clothes as you work up a sweat searching for the perfect tree.
- Fill your gas tank.
- Bring a handsaw or an ax. Chainsaws are prohibited.
- Take hot water and make hot chocolate or cider from powdered mixes when you arrive.
- Leave pets at home.
- Leave home early in the day.
- Bring extra food, water, a first-aid kit and a flashlight, plus chains to fit your tires, and a shovel in case you get stuck.
- Bring a rope and tarp to pack your tree home.

Christmas tree recycling

Colorado Recycles can help you find a place to recycle your Christmas tree near your home. The Web site allows you to look up sites by your county. The information will be posted on Colorado Recycles Web site in mid-December.