PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh’s Forestry Division is asking residents to nominate a large evergreen to become the city’s official Christmas tree at the City-County Building for the 2026 holiday season.
The Department of Public Works said eligible trees may be any evergreen variety but must stand at least 40 feet tall. Officials particularly encourage nominations of overgrown or endangered trees so that healthy trees do not have to be disturbed.
Property-owner consent is required. Once a tree is selected, the city will remove it, secure it for transport and install it at City Hall in mid-November. Trees located within Pittsburgh receive preference, though candidates elsewhere in Allegheny County will also be considered.
The selected tree’s owners will be invited to join Mayor Corey O’Connor and city officials for a lighting ceremony during Light Up Night on Saturday, Nov. 21. After the holiday season, the tree will be recycled into mulch for use in Pittsburgh parks.
The tradition dates to 1913 and moved to the City-County Building site in 1914. Residents interested in donating a tree can contact the Forestry Division at 412-665-3625. Full details are available in the City of Pittsburgh’s announcement.
Featured image: Christmas tree and menorah at the Pittsburgh City-County Building. Cbaile19/Wikimedia Commons, CC0.
The Pittsburgh Times
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Pittsburgh, PA
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