He National Park Service collaborated with the Forest Service of the Agriculture department from USA for the first time to find a 40-foot royal spruce from the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia to decorate President's Park.
"It arrived this morning and was put up around 7:30 this morning, so it hasn't been decorated yet," said National Park Service spokeswoman Chelsea Sullivan. "We will do it from now until the event on November 30."
The park service decided to break tradition after last year's tree, planted on October 30, 2021, was removed on November 11 after developing a fungal disease. The new tree has been cut down and placed in the park, instead of planting a new tree.
“At least since 1973, national Christmas trees have been planted,” Sullivan said. “However, before 1973, a felled tree was used.”
The agency had to use a cut tree due to time constraints, he said.
"The National Park Service and our event partners are re-evaluating whether to continue using a cut tree or plant a new one after the holiday season," Sullivan said.
The lottery for tickets to the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony closed on Nov. 8, and lucky winners will find out if they got tickets on Wednesday. Sullivan said more information about the event will be released soon.
"We haven't announced talent yet, so stay tuned for that announcement," he said.
