84 Lumber to sponsor 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
84 Lumber, the nation's largest privately held building materials supplier, is announcing its sponsorship of the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, marking the third year the company has been the presenting sponsor of "The People's Tree."
This year's tree will travel over 4,200 miles from the Tongass National Forest in Alaska – America's largest national forest – to reach the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. for the 2024 holiday season.
Every year since 1970, the U.S. Forest Service, in cooperation with the U.S. Architect of the Capitol's Office, has selected a tree from one of the 154 forests it manages, made possible with the help of individuals, nonprofits, and private sector businesses. This is only the second time the tree has come from Alaska, the largest U.S. state.
"With this year's tree coming from Alaska, it will cover a lot more ground and reach even more communities as it makes its way to the Capitol," said Maggie Hardy, owner and CEO of 84 Lumber.
"Since our founding in 1956, 84 Lumber has covered a lot more territory and touched more communities across the country. We have expanded into 33 states with over 320 facilities, and this year's tree will be passing near some of our newest locations in Greely and Denver, Colorado, and Boise, Idaho. The tree also will potentially visit Columbus, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Indiana, where we have multiple facilities," said Hardy. "All of us at 84 Lumber are proud to help bring this annual holiday gift to our nation's capital for everyone in the country to enjoy," she said.
"Each year represents a unique journey for the People's Tree," said Terry Baker, CEO, Society of American Foresters. "2024's journey will be special as it ties Alaska and its National Forests to our nation's capital. Our ability to connect communities across our country through the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project is made possible by generous donations. We applaud 84 Lumber's return as our presenting sponsor providing critical resources for uniting communities in celebration."
Trees must pass rigorous requirements before being considered for the Capitol. The Architect of the Capitol selects the tree each year according to strict criteria:
- Height: The tree needs to be 65 to 85 feet in height.
- Shape: The tree needs a perfect conical shape. Unlike Christmas trees placed in many living room corners, the Capitol Christmas tree will be viewed from all sides.
- Characteristics: The tree must possess typical tree characteristics for that species as well as a straight stem, uniform branching, natural density, and a good rich color.
Once the tree is selected and harvested, it will be transported by sea to Seattle, Washington then transferred to a specially designed 104-foot tractor-trailer before setting out on a whistlestop tour across the country to Washington, D.C. It will be delivered to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and decorated with thousands of ornaments hand-made by Alaskans across the state. The tree lighting is planned for Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
As the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree embarks on its annual journey, it does so with the backing of esteemed national partners such as the Society of American Foresters (SAF), Alaska Geographic, and also presenting sponsor 84 Lumber.
Learn more and follow the journey of the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree here.
