Workers prepare the installation site for the permanent tree. Photo Credit: Town of Mahone Bay
A living, growing Norway Spruce was installed just outside of the three churches in Mahone Bay on Friday.
Mayor David Devenne says that in recent years tree installations have had problems.
“Last year the heavy wind blew the tree over and we lost a set of lights, the year before the wire that held the tree snapped causing it to fall.”
The solution they came up with was to have a tree that is rooted in the ground, literally.
After consultation with Tom Ernst a seasoned Christmas tree grower it was determined a transplant could be successful.
Ernst also provided the tree and made the recommendation of Norway Spruce as it had the highest chance of success.
Significant excavation was needed as the root system and ball had to be planted to ensure a successful transplant.
At the time of installation, the tree stood seven feet tall but has the potential to grow much larger according to Devenne.
“I’ve been told it could reach up to sixty feet. I just think that it would be amazing that the town’s Christmas tree right in front of the three churches could be that large and I think it would be quite the attraction.”
The tree is expected to be well rooted by the 29th of November at which point it will be fully lit up as part of the annual Father Christmas Festival.
Reported by: Evan Taylor
Twitter: @evanrtaylor
E-mail: taylore@radioabl.ca
