PROVIDENCE, R.I. / December 18, 2017 (AP)(STL.NEWS) —  A dead Christmas Tree at the Rhode Island Statehouse is being replaced.

Gov. Gina Raimondo says on Monday that a new Tree is coming after the first one dried up and dropped piles of needles over a week before Christmas. She tells reporters they plan the switch as soon as possible.

The move comes three days after The Associated Press reported on the tree’s condition, including bare branches and needles that dropped instantly when touched.

The article prompted a local tree farm to offer to donate a new tree.

It’s not the first time the Rhode Island Statehouse tree has caused trouble. In 2005, it shed its needles after being doused in fire retardant. Former Gov. Lincoln Chafee refused to call it a Christmas tree, leading to angry protests.

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By Associated Press, published on STL.NEWS by St. Louis Media, LLC (AS)

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