Search on for governor's Christmas tree

In this Nov. 30, 2015 News Tribune file photo, a 30-foot Norway Spruce tree is hoisted over the tree tops to be set into the pre-dug hole in the yard at the Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City. The 2015 holiday tree came from the yard of Angelita Highfill in Washington, Mo.
In this Nov. 30, 2015 News Tribune file photo, a 30-foot Norway Spruce tree is hoisted over the tree tops to be set into the pre-dug hole in the yard at the Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City. The 2015 holiday tree came from the yard of Angelita Highfill in Washington, Mo.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is conducting its annual search for a large Christmas tree for use on the Governor's Mansion lawn.

MDC is asking landowners, homeowners, businesses and communities that may have possible candidate trees to contact the department. All entries must be submitted by Sept. 30.

To qualify, the donated tree must be about 40 feet tall and either an eastern red cedar, Norway spruce or white pine. Candidate trees must be fully branched on all sides and accessible by large equipment.

The right tree may either be near the end of its life or may need to be removed for other reasons. Once a tree is selected, MDC staff will coordinate the cutting and delivery of the tree to the Governor's Mansion at no cost to the owner. The donor will receive a personalized thank you from the governor and an invitation to the lighting ceremony, which usually occurs the first week of December.

Citizens can take photos of candidate trees and email them to [email protected]. Be sure to include a contact telephone number, location of the tree, and several pictures taken from different angles and distances. Candidate tree nominations can also be submitted by mail to: Missouri Department of Conservation, ATTN: Mansion Christmas Tree, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo., 65102.

Full guidelines are available online at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/governors-mansion-christmas-tree-searn.