Lancaster to Seek Evergreen Trees for Penn Square

City officials are currently soliciting evergreen tree donations to serve as the centerpiece for the upcoming holiday display.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy

A large evergreen conifer standing in a historic red brick city square during a clear autumn afternoon. — Lancaster city officials are soliciting evergreen tree donations to serve as the centerpiece for the annual holiday display in Penn Square. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you consider donating a large tree from your property for a city holiday display?

Lancaster officials are requesting donations of evergreen conifers to be featured in the Penn Square holiday display. The submission period for these tree donations concludes on October 30, 2026.

Why it matters

Securing a donated tree allows the city to maintain the annual holiday tradition in Penn Square while reducing procurement costs. Nearby municipalities like York and Chambersburg are also launching similar donation drives to source trees for their respective public holiday celebrations.

The city requires an evergreen conifer measuring 25 to 35 feet tall with a base width of 20 to 25 feet. Public works crews will handle all removal and transportation services for the selected donation at no cost to the donor.

The players

Lancaster City Arborist

The city official responsible for evaluating potential tree donations against specific height and width requirements.

The details

Interested donors can contact city officials to submit their trees for consideration before the deadline. Once selected, city crews will use a crane to transport the tree via flatbed to Penn Square for the holiday installation.

October 30, 2026: Deadline for Lancaster tree donation submissions.
November 2026: Final selection of the Lancaster holiday tree.
November 26, 2026: Date for cutting the donated tree.
November 27, 2026: Tree lighting ceremony at Penn Square.

Market Landscape

This initiative follows the established pattern of cities across the Susquehanna Valley sourcing community donations for public holiday infrastructure. The concurrent search by neighboring municipalities reflects a regional trend in minimizing logistics costs through local partnerships.

Residents interested in donating a tree can reach out to city officials at (717) 291-4846 to coordinate the potential removal and transport. Donors incur no costs for the professional removal services provided by the city public works department.

The takeaway

Donating a mature tree provides a seasonal centerpiece for the public while utilizing municipal removal services to clear space on private property. Residents should ensure their potential donation meets the height and width specifications before reaching out to the city office.