THOUGHTS OF CHRISTMAS — Larry Rymer of Ocoee stands by his 65-foot-tall white pine, which was chosen by Entertainment Design Group to be the Christmas tree for the Macy’s in Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta. Banner photo, JOYANNA WEBER
The company is responsible for finding the perfect tree to be used by the Macy’s at Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta.
While driving down Highway 411 in Ocoee, Guy spotted this year’s choice in Larry “Mater” Rymer’s front yard.
“We’re always looking for a tree,” Guy said, commenting that the search continues after an initial tree is found so that the company will have a back-up if something doesn’t work out with the first one.
This is actually the third tree the company has found on Highway 411. Guy travels the roadway a lot going to his son’s property in Pigeon Forge.
When Guy asked if he was interested in selling his 65-foot tall white pine, Rymer said he might be. He agreed to sell after finding out that Macy’s would pay $1,000 for the tree. That was about two months ago.
Two weeks ago a crew came to his home to discuss and plan transporting the tree to Atlanta. One of the men told Rymer that Macy’s would pay for him to go to Atlanta to see the lighting of the Christmas tree. Rymer commented that he would consider going to the lighting if it was free
In early November, a crew will come out and wrap the top of the tree in preparation for cutting it down the next day. The next day Superior Rigging Company of Atlanta will come cut the tree and load it onto a flatbed trailer, Guy said. Because of the layout of Rymer’s 1.7 acres, to remove the tree the company will have to put the flatbed trailer in a neighbor’s yard. Once the tree reaches Atlanta, it will be put on top of the Macy’s at Lenox Square Mall
Then the decorating will begin in preparation for a Thanksgiving lighting. Guy said decorating a tree this size is about a three-day process.
What makes a tree worthy of being chosen by Macy’s?
Guy said the tree has to be a white pine with a straight trunk. The tree must also have full branches. To make the removal process easier, Guy said he also looks for trees that are close to a road. Height is also a deciding factor.
