New National Christmas Tree from Pa. planted on the Ellipse in President’s Park

Ahead of the holiday season, the National Park Service (NPS) has planted a new National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse in President’s Park. The new tree, a 27-foot white fir (Abies Concolor) from Middleburg, Pa. was donated by Hill View Christmas Tree Farm, and will be the first white fir to serve as the National Christmas Tree. 

The NPS transported the new tree from Pa. to the Ellipse on Friday and planted the tree via crane. 

Since 1973, the National Christmas Tree has been a living tree that people can view year-round in President’s Park — one of America’s 423 national parks.! The NPS selected a white fir because it is more resilient to needle cast disease, a fungal disease that affects spruce trees and causes their needles to turn brown and fall off. The previous tree, a Colorado blue spruce planted in October 2019, succumbed to needle cast disease. 

Transplanting and maintaining such a large tree is challenging and requires careful planning and mild weather conditions. Late October is an ideal time for planting, but there is still a chance of transplant shock. NPS horticulturists will keep a close eye on the tree’s health and ensure its transition is as easy as possible. 

Presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place annually in President’s Park. The event features a countdown to the official lighting of the new National Christmas Tree with musical performances and national performers. 

For more event information and updates, go to thenationaltree.org and follow President’s Park on Facebook or Twitter.