🌲 The Story Behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: A Tradition Rooted in Care

Each December, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree transforms New York City into a glowing holiday wonderland. But before its lights shine over millions, this Norway Spruce begins its journey in a quiet forest — carefully selected for its strength, shape, and health. 

🌲 Choosing the Perfect Tree 

Arborists search throughout the Northeast for a Norway Spruce that stands over 75 feet tall and displays strong, symmetrical branches. Once chosen, it’s safely transported to Rockefeller Plaza — a true feat of urban forestry. 

🌱 A Sustainable Tradition 

After the holiday season, the tree’s story doesn’t end. Its wood is milled and donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it helps build homes for families in need — ensuring the tree’s legacy lives in a new form. 

🌍 What We Can Learn 

The Rockefeller Tree reminds us that every healthy tree — from a city spruce to your backyard oak — thrives through proper care and attention. At Emerald Tree & Shrub Care, we’re proud to preserve trees of all sizes with expert pruning, fertilization, and health programs that protect our shared environment for generations.

Story Behind the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Emerald Tree & Shrub Care Services

Lawn Care

A Healthy Lawn is More Than Just Looks—It’s Living Protection for Your LandscapeProfessional Lawn Care A beautiful lawn is more than just curb appeal, it's the foundation of a healthy, thriving landscape. Our Lawn Care Programs are fully customized to meet the unique...

Hazard Tree Analysis

Stay Ahead of Storms, Accidents, and LiabilityHazard Tree Analysis Trees suspected of being weak or dangerous can be analyzed for probable risk of failure using wood core samples. Samples are extracted using highly specialized equipment and are examined to determine...

Cable Bracing Systems

Cable Bracing Systems Tree bracing is a non-invasive means to maintain the structural integrity of trees. The practice includes the use of braided wire cables that are threaded through rods to assist in supporting large limbs. Reasons for Cable Bracing Systems Helps...

Tree Removal

Tree Removal Occasionally, tree removal becomes the only solution to a given problem; whether it is a dead, weak or diseased tree that poses a threat to a property, or a new project that will cause irreparable damage to a tree’s root system sometimes removal is the...

Organic Deer Control Services

ORGANIC DEER CONTROL SERVICES Deer play vital roles in the natural and cultural environment of New York and Connecticut. They are highly valued for the beauty and utilitarian benefits they provide. However, an abundance of deer in many neighborhoods have caused...

Organic Mosquito and Control Services

Keep your family, friends, and pets safe with Emerald’s Integrated Pest Management.Integrated Pest Management Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to tick and mosquito control. IPM programs use current, comprehensive...

Organic Tick Control Services

ORGANIC TICK CONTROL SERVICES According to the CDC, ticks have been reported to be carrying diseases in the Northeastern United States that can be dangerous to the health of your family, friends, and pets. This includes but is not limited to Lyme...

Tree Disease Treatment Prevention

Plant Healthcare & Integrated Pest Management Programs Environmentally Responsible Care for Your Trees, Shrubs, and Ornamentals At Emerald Tree & Shrub Care, we believe the best way to protect your landscape is through Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM...

Vertical Mulching

Breathe New Life into Your Trees—From the Ground UpWhat Is Vertical Mulching? Vertical mulching is a specialized arboricultural technique designed to relieve soil compaction—a common issue in residential and commercial landscapes, especially near driveways, sidewalks,...

Integrated Tree Pest Control & Management

Integrated Tree Pest Management is the practice of monitoring insect and disease activity, and once a threshold level has been reached, implementing a combination of methods and maintenance tools to restore tree and plant health on your property.Horticultural Oils...

Soil Enhancement

Soil Enhancement Soil Drenches & Injections At Emerald, we apply soil drenching and injection techniques directly to the base of plantings. This application process serves as another way to apply fertilizers to plants with specific nutrient needs. Soil drenches...

Root Zone Soil Invigoration

Give Your Trees a Healthier Foundation Over time, the soil around your trees can become compacted by foot traffic, construction, or even just everyday use. Compacted soil makes it difficult for roots to access the air, water, and nutrients they need to thrive. The...

Tree Pruning in New York & Connecticut

Pruning Why Pruning Matters Proper pruning is one of the most important ways to keep your trees and shrubs healthy, beautiful, and safe. At Emerald Tree & Shrub Care, our certified arborists use expert techniques tailored to each plant species and property goal....

Custom Annual Plant Health Care Programs

Plant Health Care Emerald’s Plant Health Care Program is a year-round, all-inclusive method to protect your trees and shrubs from damaging insects and diseases. Most serious problems can be controlled and even prevented with the proper ongoing treatments. Our highly...

Custom Fertilization

Custom Fertilization Programs Nourishing Your Landscape for Lasting Health and Beauty Every property is unique — from soil composition and plant species to exposure and environmental stressors. At Emerald Tree & Shrub Care, we don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all”...

Property Analysis

Property Analysis Our ISA-certified arborists perform thorough property inspections annually as part of our commitment to keep our clients informed, and their valuable plantings in excellent condition. Our experts conduct thorough walkthroughs to inspect properties to...

24-Hour Emergency Tree Service

24-Hour Emergency Tree Service In an emergency situation, you need more than “fair weather friends.” According to the NOAA, Hurricanes, tropical storms and other severe weather events accounted for more than $22 billion worth of damage within the United States in 2020...

Connect with Your Local Arborist Today!
View Resources
View Services