The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is beginning its annual search for a large evergreen for use on the governor’s mansion lawn in Jefferson City. If your property, business, or community may have a candidate tree, you are encouraged to contact the MDC.+
Qualifications
The chosen tree needs to be about 30 to 40 feet tall. MDC prefers eastern red cedar, Norway spruce, or white pine. The selected tree will be fully branched on all sides and easily accessible by large equipment.
The right tree may either be near the end of its life or must be removed for other reasons. Often, evergreens are too close to homes and buildings. They grow too large for the space.
Upon selection of the tree, MDC staff will coordinate the cutting and delivery of the trees to the governor’s mansion for no cost to the owners. A thank-you letter from the governor will be sent to the donor, along with an invitation to the lighting ceremony, which takes place on Friday, December 1.
Entering
MDC asks people to take photos of potential trees and email them to holidaytrees@mdc.mo.gov. MDC needs a contact telephone number, the location of the tree, and several pictures taken from different angles and distances. You can also submit a tree suggestion by mail to the Missouri Department of Conservation, ATTN: Mansion Christmas Tree, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
Deadline
There is a deadline for submitting a possible tree. Christmas festivities are planned around the tree, which needs to be cut, moved, and in place for December.
All entries should be submitted by Oct 10. Complete 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.
