North Dakota’s State Christmas Tree Is…PLASTIC?!?

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota's state Christmas tree this year is plastic.

State Facilities Management director John Boyle says it's the first time an artificial tree has adorned the Capitol's Memorial Hall.

Boyle says the state had taken some heat from the Bismarck fire department over the years for using real trees, which can be fire hazards.

Boyle says the 26-foot-tall artificial tree cost $13,000. He says it should pay for itself in about 10 years compared to hauling in real trees from other states.

Most real trees in the past have come from Wisconsin or Minnesota.

Boyle says it took about three hours to put up the tree. He says a formal Christmas tree lighting ceremony is slated for Tuesday night.