It may seem to be a bit early for most people to be thinking of Christmas decorations, but Pittsburgh officials are already working to find the city’s annual holiday tree.
The city’s Forestry Division is looking for the tree that will serve as Pittsburgh’s official Christmas tree. It will be the 108th tree to be placed outside the City-County Building on Grant Street.
This year’s tree will be illuminated on Light Up Night on Nov. 18. The tree will remain there through the holiday season and the start of the new year.
“August means the start of holiday planning for the Forestry Division,” said city forester Lisa Ceoffe. “We are beginning our search for the perfect tree for the City-County Building this year and are already excited to celebrate the holiday season with Pittsburgh.”
Potential trees should be at least 40 feet tall and may be any evergreen variety.
The tradition of having a Christmas tree at the City-County Building dates back to 1914, when a tree was erected at the building’s construction site.
Last year’s tree was a 40-foot blue spruce donated by Guardian Angels Catholic Parish of Natrona Heights, Springdale Campus.
Anyone interested in donating a tree from their property can contact 311 or call the city’s Department of Public Works Forestry Division at 412-255-2621.
