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New Haven Searching for 2018 Holiday Tree

The city is looking for a Norway Spruce that is between 55 and 70 feet tall.

It may be the end of July, but the City of New Haven is already searching for this year’s holiday tree.

“I actually wonder where do they find such a huge tree,” Tasheisha Ricketts-Kidd said.

Every year, the tree lighting on the historic New Haven Green helps Ricketts-Kidd and her family get in the holiday spirit.

“It’s a magical experience and we absolutely love and enjoy it,” she said.

Still four months away, the search is on to find what will be the centerpiece of the holiday season in the Elm City.

“It lets me know that my city is on the right track and they’re already gearing for this holiday season so it lets us know our tradition won’t be broken,” Ricketts-Kidd said.

The city is looking for preferably a Norway Spruce that is between 55 and 70 feet tall.

In the next four to six weeks, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees hopes to select the holiday tree so it will be ready to be tied up by the end of October.

“Second step, will be contacting the crane company make sure we have enough clearance from power lines or any utilities so we can get the crane in there,” said Bill Carone from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees.

It takes the city’s tree crew about two weeks to tie up all the branches before the tree is cut, lifted, lowered on a flatbed and escorted to downtown.

“So it might be 85 degrees today but we are looking for our holiday tree,” Carone said.

The tree that is chosen will be removed from the property at no cost and the donors can take part in the tree lighting. If you have a tree that meets the qualifications, call Carone at 203-946-8002 or email with pictures to wcarone@newhavenct.gov.

On November 29, you can watch the New Haven Holiday Tree lighting live on NBC Connecticut, which is proud to be a media partner for the fourth year in a row.

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