The Boston Christmas Tree

For more than 30 years, Nova Scotia has donated a giant evergreen each year to the people of Boston as a thank you for their assistance following the 1917 Halifax Explosion.

The tree usually comes from a private land owner and is selected by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources based upon the following specifications:

• Balsam fir, white spruce or red spruce
• Twelve to fifteen meters (40-50 feet) in height
• Healthy with good color
• Medium to heavy density
• Uniform and symmetrical
• Easy to access.

The tree is transported to Boston by the Province of Nova Scotia and delivered to the Boston Common. Once erected, the Nova Scotia tree is decorated with thousands of lights and becomes the focal point of the city's annual tree lighting ceremony.

Children watch as the 2008 tree, a 14-metre white spruce that belonged to Craig and Marina Cook, is prepared for transport. The tree was cut at a ceremony on the Cook's property in Clementsvale, Annapolis Co., on, Nov. 17.

If you feel you have a tree that would qualify please contact the Western Nova Scotia Christmas tree Specialist at (902) 634-7526 [fax 902-634-7577] or any office of the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources.