HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – The City of Harrisonburg has made the decision to replace the aging and in-decline spruce tree on the south side of Court Square that has long served as the gathering place for the City’s Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting celebration each December.

According to a release, the tree, a familiar piece of Downtown that has been a part of families’ holiday celebration for many years, has reached the end of its viable lifespan. Harrisonburg Public Works will plant in its place a 22-foot Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’), a fast-growing, large specimen tree known for its resilience and minimal insect and disease concerns. Harrisonburg Electric Commission has taken down holiday lights from the tree, with its removal scheduled for the week of January 26, 2026.

Community members who have photos or memories of the tree they would like to share are invited to email them to Public Works Outreach and Communications Specialist Maya Waid for possible posting on the City’s social media accounts.

“The Court Square spruce has been an important part of Downtown traditions for many years, and we understand the connection many in our community, and certainly within our own department and organization, have to it,” Harrisonburg Public Works Greenspace Manager Jeremy Harold said. “It’s been important to our team to make sure its removal, and replacement is done with that history, and the importance of this as a gathering place for all in The Friendly City, in mind. Replacing the tree now allows us to responsibly plan for the future of Court Square while continuing holiday traditions with a healthy, long-lasting tree for years to come.”

The new Japanese cedar is anticipated to be planted by February 27, 2026. Public Works is coordinating with Parks and Recreation to continue the tree lighting tradition during the holiday season.