Capitol Holiday Tree

If you’d like to have your tree considered for a future Idaho Capitol Holiday Tree, please read the information below.

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Acceptable tree specifications:

• Species: Blue Spruce with a single leader (i.e. only one “peak” stem/trunk point)
• Height: Between 30 and 50 feet
• Location: Boise, closer to Capitol Bldg preferred

The selection process:

• We begin evaluating candidate trees every August.
• We generally have a final decision by the end of August.
• When we select a tree, we contact the donor to confirm it’s still available.
• When confirmed, we begin project planning.

Cutting and Transport:

• Cutting takes place (generally) Monday on Thanksgiving week.
• Crews gather at 9am, and the tree is generally cut and ready to move by 10-11am.
• The tree is transported to the Capitol Building and erected that day.
• We will schedule with you to have the stump ground down.
• You are welcome to watch the cutting and placement from a safe distance.

Decoration and Lighting:

• Decoration takes approximately 4-5 days.
• The lighting ceremony is generally the Monday after cutting.