<P> The National Park Service undertook a lengthy study to find a species of tree that could thrive in the climate and soil conditions of the capital and better withstand the annual decoration process . Agency officials traveled more than 2,000 miles (3,200 km) to find a tree that met their specifications . A 30 - foot (9.1 m) tall blue spruce, located at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Myers of York, Pennsylvania, was chosen as the new National Christmas Tree planted in the Ellipse in 1978 . (The Myers offered to donate the tree, but were paid $1,500 for it .) A second tree, an 18 - foot (5.5 m) tall blue spruce purchased from a nursery in New Jersey, was planted in a corner of the Ellipse in early summer 1978 for use as a spare in case the new transplanted tree did not survive . New, stronger cables were used to help brace the tree against high winds . The bronze plaque at the base of the tree was altered slightly to reflect the new date of the tree's transplanting (October 11, 1978). </P> <P> The tree was topped off by First Daughter Amy Carter on December 5, 1978, a ceremony which began a new tradition of having a member of the President or Vice President's family top off the tree (a tradition observed every year since except in 1980). President Carter, assisted by his wife Rosalynn and daughter Amy, lit the newly transplanted National Christmas Tree on December 15, 1978 . The tree was illuminated by 1,600 low - watt gold lamps, floodlit with gold spotlights, and decorated with gold garland and 50 large red ornaments . Once more, each state and territory was represented by a tree on the Pathway of Peace, and the petting zoo and live reindeer both returned to the Pageant of Peace . Additionally, there was a small tree representing senior citizens, as well as a new "community tree ." </P> <P> In 1979, the National Christmas Tree was only partially lit . When President Jimmy Carter sent his daughter Amy to light the tree on December 13, the switch lit only the star atop the National Christmas Tree, while the state trees on the Pathway of Peace were illuminated only by tiny blue lights . Carter told the surprised crowd that the National Christmas Tree would remain dark until the American hostages in Iran were set free . The theme of the tree was "Hope and Light", which celebrated the 100th anniversary of Thomas Edison's invention of the practical incandescent light . The tree itself was trimmed with silver balls and white garland, and a complex, changing lighting scheme (also in white) designed . There were only 50 smaller trees that year (one for each of the hostages), and a single tree separate from the Pathway of Peace representing prisoners of war . Only nine days of musical performances were planned . </P> <P> 1979 also marked the first appearance of the National Menorah commemorating Hanukkah . The 30 feet (9.1 m) high steel menorah (painted gold) was the brainchild of Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, leader of the Chabad - Lubavitch movement . President Carter assisted Rabbi Shemtov in lighting the menorah, which was placed in Lafayette Square . By 1987, the National Menorah had been moved to The Ellipse . A new aluminum menorah replaced the steel one in 1998 . </P>

How many christmas trees can be seen in the white house public tour route in 2013