Tips offered for sending Christmas trees overseas

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state is offering some tips for Wisconsin families who wish to mail Christmas trees overseas to their loved ones.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says trees should only be purchased from growers whose farms have been issued a Plant Health Certificate. That certificate means the trees have been inspected by the state and cleared for overseas mailing.

Trees mailed overseas must also be accompanied by special paperwork indicating that they are not carrying insects or diseases.

Families wishing to mail trees to members of the military or National Guard serving overseas are encouraged to contact the post office or commercial shipping business to learn about size and weight restrictions and pricing requirements before selecting a tree.