How one company is protecting a national holiday tradition

September 17, 2024 at 11:01 AM EDT

(BPT) - Every year since 1970, a tree from one of the 154 national forests travels from its woodland home to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and serves as the "People's Tree." As it makes its journey to Washington, D.C., the tree makes several stops along the way, providing opportunities for community engagement and kicking off the spirit of the season.

Transporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is no easy feat, and this year's trip will be one of the most challenging to date. The People's Tree will be harvested from the Tongass National Forest in Wrangell, Alaska, and travel 4,293 miles to its final destination.

For the past 10 years, The People's Tree has made its journey on a specially made trailer to protect it from the weather elements, so it arrives safe and sound at the Capitol for the lighting ceremony in early December. The steel flatbed trailer extends 60-80 feet to accommodate multiple tree sizes and features a custom wood panel enclosure that is used only for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

After a decade of use, the trailer's all-wood panels and assembly pieces needed to be replaced. Since the trailer would be traveling through many harsh conditions, including riding on a barge through the Alaskan waters, it was important that the trailer's wood construction could withstand the elements.

Preserving the spirit of the season one coat at a time

SEAL-ONCE^®, a division of U-C Coatings, saw an opportunity not only to sponsor the rebuild of the trailer but also to protect it and stabilize it on its journey this year and for many years to come. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the SEAL-ONCE team traveled to Wrangell, Alaska, to help rebuild and coat the new trailer.

People painting the wood sides of a truck with Marine Grade paint.

SEAL-ONCE is known for its water-based, eco-friendly coatings and sealers for exterior decks, docks, fences, siding and other outdoor projects. The products' low and ultra-low VOC makes them safe for people, pets and plants, all while providing superior protection and stability.

Close up of a can of red Marine grade paint with a paint brush layed accross the top.

The company supplied the wood and 25 gallons of its SEAL-ONCE Marine Grade Premium Semi-Transparent Stain. The product creates a flexible and breathable barrier that allows the wood to expand and contract as it encounters different weather elements. The product is also abrasion resistant, protects against UV fading and water damage, and is formulated for the harshest of environments.

As a bonus, SEAL-ONCE developed a unique Christmas Red stain, exclusively designed for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree trailer, that enhances the natural grain and beauty of the new wood.

A group of people dressed in kaikae loading the Christmas tree on to the truck.

Thanks to this premium exterior wood stain, the trailer will be able to stand up to rain, sleet, snow and even sun exposure along its cross-country road trip.

Protect your home with a pro-level coating

Want to protect your home deck, dock, fence and other wood structures? You can use the same protective coating used on the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree trailer. Right now, you can even save with a 10% discount! To learn more, visit UCCoatings.com.