Last week, the city of Nashville participated in the lighting ceremony of the capitol’s Christmas tree, hosted by Governor Bill Haslam. Strung with over 6,000 bulbs and 200 ornaments, this 35-foot Norway spruce stands proudly in Legislative Plaza for the holidays.
The Parke Company, including Rick Krivak (Parke Company’s Assistant Manager – Tree Division and Certified Arborist) was responsible for picking up the tree in Oliver Springs in East Tennessee and transplanted it in its new home in Music City. The tree itself is several decades old, originally planted for a Christmas tree research project at the University of Tennessee. When the project ended in 1985, the relocated spruce was transplanted in Oliver Springs at the Cumberland Forest.
Want an interesting tidbit about the tree? It was not the original tree designated for the capitol. In fact, it wasn’t until a large storm damaged the original tree that the Norway spruce was reconsidered. It was then that the tree was cut down with care, securely fastened to a trailer and then traveled the 2 and half hour journey to Nashville.
The tree was going to have to be cut down anyway to make room for other research projects in the area. In addition, the size of the tree blocked sunlight from other trees, so many people are pleased with the spruce’s second chance at life. After the holidays, the tree will be cut back down and turned into chips for removal.
Though it is too late to see the lighting ceremony, it’s not too late to enjoy its Christmas cheer. The Christmas tree will stay lit all through the holiday season, located in the heart of Nashville.