The National Christmas Tree, a Colorado blue spruce more than 40 feet tall and nearly 48 years old, was donated by a family in Pennsylvania, according to the National Christmas Tree Web site. It was moved by the National Park Service in 1978, the Web site says, becoming a permanent fixture on the Ellipse in President’s Park. The tree had no known health problems when it fell, said a Park Service spokesman, Bill Line.

Knowing the tree would not live forever, Mr. Line said, the agency identified a successor two years ago but was not ready to reveal that tree’s location. The fallen spruce is expected to be replaced in late spring.

As part of an annual tradition dating to the Coolidge administration in 1923, the National Christmas Tree is decorated and then lighted by the president in a widely attended, nationally broadcast celebration. Recent ceremonies have featured guests including the poet Maya Angelou, the hip-hop artist Common and the singer Sheryl Crow.