Erik Pauze has been Rockefeller Center’s head gardener since 1995, responsible for selecting the perfect Norway spruce tree for the plaza each year. The tree must be at least 70 feet tall, 40 to 42 feet wide, and sturdy enough to support decorations and lights. Pauze looks for a tree with a beautiful shape, full and green, resembling one you would want in your own living room for Christmas. He starts thinking about future trees almost daily throughout the year and began the search for this year’s tree in July 2020. He found the perfect tree while driving down the road and immediately asked the owner, Earl Albert, if he would donate it to Rockefeller Center, to which he agreed. Despite decades in his role, Pauze’s criteria for the perfect tree remains the same, with the process varying slightly each year. His dedication to selecting the ideal tree for Rockefeller Center’s iconic holiday display is evident in his meticulous approach and commitment to maintaining the tradition.
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For over three decades, one man has been selecting Rockefeller Center’s Christmas trees
