NYC&G/HC&G: When you conduct your search for the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, what qualities do you look for?
Erik Pauze, garden manager, Rockefeller Center: The perfect tall tree. It may look beautiful in a suburban yard, but it has to look fantastic in front of skyscrapers, which is a whole different deal.
Is there one type of tree that’s optimal?
Definitely. The Rockefeller Center tree is always a Norway spruce. It looks nice and has a certain grace, and it holds its needles longer and can support the weight of the lights. The first tree, in 1931, was probably a Fraser fir or a balsam, which is better for homeowners.
How do you find the tree?
We often pinpoint a promising region and simply drive around, keeping our eyes open. I have even been on road trips and found some great prospects. And yes, people often do submit their own trees for consideration. If they’re not the right fit for Rockefeller Center, we still might consider traveling to their specific area to look for trees that are a better match.
How long does it take to set up the tree?
It gets cut down on the 8th of November and gets lit on the 28th, so we have 19 days to decorate it. The only day we have off is Thanksgiving. After we put it up, we cover it in scaffolding and install the lights all over, even deep into the trunk.
How many bulbs do you use?
Upwards of 30,000. Since 2007 we have been using energy-efficient LED bulbs, which are solar-powered and have colors that really pop. It’s the biggest change in the tree’s recent history. Also, since 1972 the tree has been chipped and given away as compost.
What about the star?
It’s made of Swarovski crystals and is also illuminated. The lights go on and off in patterns generated by a computer program.
When did the 12 wire angels get added to the channel gardens that face the tree?
They were created in 1954 by an English artist named Valerie Clarebout and have been in place almost every year since.
How often do the plantings in the channel gardens change?
About 14 to 15 times a year, depending on the seasons and special events. That’s actually one of my favorite parts of the job. It’s a lot of fun planting a bed of poinsettias right next to people who are on their lunch break. The interaction with our visitors is great.