The city of Covington will plant a new community tree at 11:30 a.m. Friday to replace one that was fatally damaged by a vandal just hours before the city’s annual tree lighting event on Dec. 1.

The community tree will be located at the same location at Don Henning Roundabout located on 168th Place SE

The city has selected a 25-foot-tall Mountain Hemlock to replace the 35-foot-tall Spruce that was cut down.

The city will also will an informal Community Tree Re-Lighting Event at 5 p.m. Wednesday to commence the planting of the new community tree. The ceremony will take place at the public plaza and adjacent sidewalks next to Los Cabos Mexican Restaurant at the Don Henning Roundabout located on 168th Place SE Covington.

Covington’s Mayor Margaret Harto will offer her remarks, individuals and organizations who have contributed to help replace the tree will be honored, and the new tree lights will be turned on.