Erik Pauze has been the head gardener at Rockefeller Center since 1995 and is responsible for selecting the perfect tree for the plaza each year. The tree must be a Norway spruce that is at least 70 feet tall and 40 to 42 feet wide, strong enough to support wires, cables, lights, and the star. Pauze looks for a tree with a beautiful shape, full foliage, and rich green color, similar to one you would want in your living room for Christmas.
Pauze explained that his job has remained largely the same over the past three decades, with the process varying slightly each year. He starts thinking about potential trees years in advance, with the search for this year’s tree beginning back in July 2020. Pauze discovered this year’s tree while driving and immediately approached the owner, Earl Albert, who generously agreed to donate it to Rockefeller Center.
Overall, Pauze’s job involves a year-round commitment to finding the perfect tree that will dazzle visitors to Rockefeller Center during the holiday season. His attention to detail and dedication to his work ensure that the chosen tree will be a standout centerpiece for the plaza each year.
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