Your big spruce could be a star this Christmas at city hall

If you've got a big, beautiful spruce tree begging for a bigger stage than your front yard, give the City of Winnipeg a call.

The city has launched its annual search forthe tree that will become the heart of city hall's courtyard display.

Homeowners are urged tocontact the city if they are interested in donating their green giant, but it must meet certain criteria:

• Be in the front yard of a property with direct access to the tree.
• Not be adjacent to overhead utilities.
• Be 12-15 metres tall (approximately 40 to 50 feet).
• Be fully symmetrical with a single trunk and no brown needles.

Staff from the city's Urban Forestry Branch will select the tree that best meets thatcriteria.

The homeowner willnot receive compensation for the tree, but crews will remove it at no cost, clean up the debris and remove the stump to approximately two inches below ground level.

Anyonewho would like to submit their tree for consideration is asked tocontact 311.

For more information on theannual city hall Christmas tree, check the city's website.

City hall Christmas tree facts

• The tree is placed in front of city hall at the corner of Main Streetand Market Avenue.
• It takes a 32,000 kg crane and a flatbed to remove and transport the tree from the owner's yard to city hall.
• By the time the tree is decorated, it can weigh as much as 1,800 kg or 4,000 pounds.
• The 9,000LEDbulbs on the tree are attached by hand. Lights run the length of each branch, fastened with plastic ties.