The Moore family in South Holland will donate their tree for the city's celebration.
It might not be evident to passersby, but this flurry of activity has a special meaning. It's prep work to get this tree ready for its big move from this South Holland neighborhood to Daley Plaza, where it will serve as the City of Chicago's Christmas tree.
"When they called and told me my tree was selected, I was overwhelmed," said Terri Moore, donating tree.
Terri Moore knew the tree was special-- it's a 57-foot Colorado Blue Spruce. But she thought of it as a fixture in the neighborhood, until her next-door neighbor encouraged her to email pictures of it to the city.
That was in September. She got the word last week that it was chosen over 90 other submissions.
"I am really honored, 'cause I grew up in Chicago and I remember my mom and dad taking us to see the tree, except for it wasn't one tree. It was a bunch of trees," said Moore.
Moore says it's hard to visualize what the front yard will look like without the tree. It's a view she's had for the six years she and her daughters have lived in the house. And her daughters, Kirsten and Taylor, will also have to get used to the change.
"It's gonna feel weird when we walk over there because it's gonna feel like we're walking through a tree," said Taylor Moore, donating tree.
The tree isn't going just yet. It will be cut down Thursday. Until then, landscapers with Brickman Group are carefully going from top to bottom, bundling up the branches to make it easier to transport. They say the tree is in great shape and will make a beautiful display in Daley Plaza.
"You might not be able to tell with the tying down now, but it's filled in. No gaps anywhere, and it won't be when we're done either," said Val Montero, Brickman Group.
Once the tree is cut down, the exact height, weight and age will be determined. Then the Moore family will see it fully decorated when they go to Daley Plaza for the lighting ceremony Tuesday, November 26.
