Although it was speculated that the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree would not be installed this year due to social distancing, the Tree has already been chosen. It arrived at Rock Center today, according to Tishman Speyer.
The Tree that weighs 11 tons, 75 feet high and 45 feet in diameter was felled Thursday morning and transported to New York on a flatbed truck.
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The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the great protagonist of Christmas in New York, is not chosen at random but must have particular characteristics. It must be a Picea Abies of more than half a century and a minimum height of 20 meters. Pauzé and his team choose each year’s Tree based on its heartiness and “Christmas tree shape,” as well as its ability to support the heavy ornaments.
This year the Tree was donated by Daddy Al’s General Store (Al Dick) in Oneonta. According to an Oneonta resident, it was located on private property and is near the end of its life span. By the way, a young tree was planted in its place.
Rob Speyer, president and chief executive officer of Tishman Speyer, which owns the Rockefeller Center complex, said, “This year, we just feel the tree is vital.”.
What will the Tree lighting ceremony be like this year?
According to the official Rockefeller Center website, this year “There will be no public access to this year’s tree lighting ceremony.” However, the national television network NBC will be broadcasting the “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” ignition live to enjoy it from home.
Did you know what happens with the Tree after Christmas?
For many years now, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been donated to the Habitat for Humanity Foundation. This non-profit organization helps people with few resources. With the wood obtained from the Tree, they help repair and build their houses.