World

Rome's Christmas tree 'Mangy' needled for heavy shedding

19 of December 2017

This combo picture taken Tuesday Dec.19, 2017 shows at left Rome's official Christmas tree placed in Piazza Venezia Square and at right the one placed in St. Peters's Square at the Vatican. Despite the tree's 600 silver-colored decorative balls, the half-bare branches lend the square a forlorn rather than festive look and critics note that across town, the Vatican's Christmas tree, from Poland, looks healthy. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino),This combo picture taken Tuesday Dec.19, 2017 shows at left Rome's official Christmas tree placed in Piazza Venezia Square and at right the one placed in St. Peters's Square at the Vatican. Despite the tree's 600 silver-colored decorative balls, the half-bare branches lend the square a forlorn rather than festive look and critics note that across town, the Vatican's Christmas tree, from Poland, looks healthy. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Rome's official Christmas tree is shedding needles so quickly it has become a jolly joke for city residents. The 21-meter- (70-foot-) high tree started dropping needles at a fast clip as soon as it was hoisted into the middle of bustling Rome's main square, Piazza Venezia. Romans have dubbed the tree "The Mangy One." They're also needling Rome's mayor about the sad specimen, which cost 48,000 euros ($57,000) to transport from an Alpine region. City officials say they are investigating.

ROME (AP) — Rome’s official Christmas tree is shedding needles so quickly it has become a jolly joke for city residents.

The 21-meter- (70-foot-) high tree, which was lit up on Dec. 8, started dropping needles at a fast clip as soon as it was hoisted into the middle of bustling Rome’s main square, Piazza Venezia.

Romans have dubbed the tree “The Mangy One.” They’re also needling Rome’s mayor about the forlorn-looking specimen, which cost 48,000 euros ($57,000) to transport from South Tyrol, an Italian Alpine region.

The city said Tuesday it is investigating why the tree is ailing.

Despite the tree’s 600 silver-colored decorative balls, the half-bare branches lend the square a forlorn rather than festive look.

Critics note that across town, the Vatican’s Christmas tree, from Poland, appears healthy.