The hunt is on for a large Christmas tree to be used on the governor’s mansion lawn in Jefferson City. Landowners, homeowners, businesses and communities can contact the Missouri Department of Conservation if they have a tree that they feel might fit the bill.

There are a few requirements; the donated tree must be about 40-feet tall and must be an eastern red cedar, Norway spruce or white pine. The tree must be fully branched on all sides and accessible by large equipment.

MDC says 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 thank-you from the governor and an invitation to the lighting ceremony, which usually occurs the first week of December.

“Sometimes there are beautiful evergreens that need to be removed for home expansion, utility work, or they’ve grown too large for the space,” says MDC Community Forestry Coordinator Russell Hinnah. “Having your tree displayed at the governor’s mansion is a great way to share its beauty with thousands of Missourians who visit the mansion during the holidays.”

If you wish to submit your tree for consideration you’re asked to submit several photos, taken from different angles and distances, via email to holidaytrees@mdc.mo.gov. Be sure to include a contact telephone number and the location of the tree. Nominations may 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 11. Full guidelines are available at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/governors-mansion-christmas-tree-search. For more information or questions, contact MDC Communications Specialist Holly Dentner at 573-751-4115, ext. 3110.