As Al Korenek drives his 90-ft. rig from Santa Fe to Washington this week, heads may turn. After all, it’s not every day a gargantuan blue spruce is moved from the forests of northern New Mexico to the groomed lawns of Capitol Hill. This is the first year a living tree — complete with a 40-ton root ball — will serve as the nation’s Christmas symbol. The 60-ft. giant will be garnished with strings of chili-pepper lights and 10,000 handmade ornaments from New Mexico, including silver coyotes, miniature pueblos, tin stars and brass jewelry.
Korenek, a tree transplanter, is scheduled to depart Santa Fe on Wednesday, after receiving a Native American blessing at a farewell ceremony conducted by Governor Bruce King. “A living tree was chosen because it demonstrates the importance of reforestation and forestry conservation,” said Don Laine, a spokesman for the committee charged with selecting the spruce. After the holidays, the tree will be replanted at the National Arboretum.