1973 Brought a major change.

For the first time in the 50-year history of the National Christmas Tree, an attempt was made to replant and preserve a live tree.

A 42 foot, 40-year old, 15-ton Colorado Blue Spruce was located on the side of a lonely country road in rural northeastern PA and was donated by the National Arborists Association to begin a grand symbolic life in the big city of Washington, DC.

The National Park Service prepared the Ellipse site to receive the tree and to create the best possible conditions for its health and growth.

To achieve this, they constructed an underground drainage system, acquired original top soil for the tree, and designed an irrigation system that would make as little damage as possible.

(President Nixon)

[Scanned from original photographic slide.]