If you have a large evergreen that you need to have moved, the Missouri Department of Conservation might be interested. MDC is conducting its annual search for a Christmas tree for use on the governor’s mansion lawn in Jefferson City.
Landowners, homeowners, businesses and communities that might have possible candidate trees are asked to contact the department.
To qualify, the donated tree must be about 40 feet tall and either an eastern red cedar, Norway spruce or white pine. They must be fully branched on all sides and accessible by large equipment for removal.
It should be either at the end of its life or need to be removed for other reasons. MDC staff will coordinate the cutting and delivery of the tree at no cost to the owner. The donor will receive a thank you from the governor and an invitation to the tree lighting ceremony.
Anyone interested should email holidaytrees@mdc.mo.gov. 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.
All entries must be submitted by Oct. 10.
Full guidelines are available here. For more information or questions, contact the MDC Forestry Division at 573-751-4115.