‘Tis the season to start preparing to be jolly.

Downtown Lexington is in need of three trees to place in parks to decorate for the holidays. Those who donate a tree will have it removed for free by the city and KU.

“All trees will be inspected to determine if they are suitable,” said Jeff Giles, landscape supervisor with the Division of Parks and Recreation. “If your tree is chosen, the city and Kentucky Utilities will remove it at no cost on either November 18 or November 19 and provide stump grinding after removal.”

The trees should meet the following guidelines:

• 40- to 50-feet high;
• 20- to 25-feet wide;
• Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce or Douglas fir (no White Pine);
• Have a pyramidal shape, with fullness especially at the bottom;
• The body of the trees should have few or no holes;
• The trees should not be growing into houses or into other trees;
• Access must be provided with clearance of at least 10 feet in width, with no power lines growing in the trees;
• There should be no other obstacles – such as buildings – preventing access.
• Must be able to back a low-boy trailer up to the tree and place KU trucks on either side.

Property owners should call LexCall at 3-1-1 or 859-425-2255 if they want to donate a tree. If a tree is selected, the donor will be called with details for removal.