Erik Pauze, the head gardener at Rockefeller Center since 1995, is responsible for selecting the perfect tree for the plaza each year. The tree must be a Norway spruce, at least 70 feet tall and 40 to 42 feet wide, to support the decorations and lights, including the star on top. Pauze looks for a tree with a beautiful shape, fullness, and vibrant green color, similar to one you would want in your living room for Christmas. While not much has changed in his role over the last three decades, the process of finding the tree varies each year. Pauze begins thinking about future trees almost daily throughout the year and began searching for this year’s tree in July 2020. He discovered the perfect Norway Spruce while driving and asking Earl Albert to donate it to Rockefeller Center, to which he agreed immediately. Pauze takes pride in selecting the tree that will stand in the iconic plaza and bring joy to visitors during the holiday season.
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