Annual Christmas tree harvest underway at Prince Albert National Park

WATCH: Prince Albert National Park is open for its 10th annual Christmas tree harvest.

If you’re looking for a Christmas tree, Prince Albert National Park (PANP) might be a great place to start.

Visitors to PANP have until Dec. 23 to harvest a Christmas tree from the community fuel break surrounding Waskesiu.

The park says the harvest helps reduce the number of flammable trees.

“Having those trees thinned out would slow the speed of an approaching wildfire and help give the time for the community to prepare,” said park media officer Jacelyn Perret.

Visitors to this year’s harvest will need to pick up Christmas tree activity passes and a map at the visitor centre before chopping down their tree.

“Chainsaws are not permitted,” Perret said. “Bring a handsaw with you. Make sure that you dress in warm layers and bring your mittens or your toque. You can bring a sled if you’d like to haul your tree away.”

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The park says around 160 visitors participated in last year’s harvest.

Christmas tree expert Ray Gaudet of Gaudet Christmas Trees says it’s important to get a live tree in water before the green membrane under the bark dries up.

“Allow it open up and an hour and a half or two hours later, then what you would like to do is, put your, fill your stand with hot tap water,” said Gaudet. “What you’re going to do is you’re going to stimulate that membrane.”

He says tree owners should make sure the base of the tree has a fresh cut before it’s brought indoors.

Visitors to PANP will have to purchase a park pass until the free-entry Canada Strong pass comes back into effect Dec. 12.