MDC is looking for governor’s mansion Christmas tree

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Have a grand, old evergreen that needs to be removed? Let it enjoy the spotlight as this year’s Christmas tree for the governor’s mansion in Jefferson City.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) does an annual statewide search for an ideal evergreen for this honor, and MDC is asking Missourians to nominate suitable evergreens from their properties.

“Many homeowners, businesses and communities have wonderful evergreens that need to be removed for home expansion, utility work, or other reasons,” said MDC Community Forestry Coordinator Nick Kuhn. “Using one of these large evergreens for the governor’s mansion is a great way for the tree to be seen by many, and be remembered for years to come. The owner of the chosen evergreen will also receive a personalized thank-you from the governor, an invitation to the lighting ceremony, and of course, bragging rights!”

Entries must be a white pine, Norway spruce, or eastern red cedar that is at least 40 feet tall and fully branched on all sides. Nominated evergreens and properties must accessible by a large truck to remove the tree. MDC will remove the evergreen at no cost to the property owner and the tree must be donated with no additional costs to MDC or the State. MDC will coordinate the late-November cutting and delivery of the tree with the property owner and the governor’s mansion.

Photos of nominated trees can be emailed to holidaytrees@mdc.mo.gov, or mailed to Missouri Department of Conservation, Holiday Tree, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. All nominations must be received by Sept. 30. Include property owner name, address, telephone number, email address, location of the tree, and several pictures taken from different angles and distances. A full list of rules and guidelines can be found on the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/node/23091.

For more information, contact Nick.Kuhn@mdc.mo.gov, or 573-522-4115, ext. 3306.