MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas if you're thinking about mailing a tree overseas.

The state is urging people hoping to send a real Wisconsin Christmas tree to people serving overseas to get started soon because of all the paperwork required.

There are a number of other steps to be taken before the tree can be sent, including obtaining copies of a plant health certificate from the grower and completing a so-called phyto certificate required by the state.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will reduce the normal fee from $50 to $6 for trees being mailed to active duty military family members overseas.

The department has a list of more than 400 licensed Christmas tree growers on its website.

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DATCP tree growers: http://datcp.wi.gov/Plants/Christmas_Trees/index.aspx

Copyright 2012 The AP.