ATLANTA — Crews worked to hoist the Macy’s Great Tree atop Lenox Square on Sunday, but during the process, it broke.
Channel 2 Action News meteorologist David Chandley was in Buckhead on Sunday morning where crews were busy at work.
The tree was brought to Lenox Square at about 8 a.m., and crews were working to hoist it atop the Macy’s building using a large crane when crews heard the tree crack and break.
Officials said the tree was only a few feet off the ground when it cracked.
“In all honesty, the dryness was a concern. We had a challenge finding the right tree, and we didn’t want to risk safety in pulling this thing up based on what we heard and felt when (we began) pulling it up,” said Melissa Goff of Macy’s.
The 26-year-old tree from Douglas County was estimated to be 60 feet tall and weighed approximately 11,000 pounds.
Officials said another tree, also from Douglas County, would be brought in either Tuesday or Wednesday as a replacement.
This is not the first Macy's Great Tree to break during the hoisting process. Another tree broke in 2004 when it was about halfway up.
Chandley said the new tree should take crews 10 to 12 days to decorate in preparation for the Macy’s Great Tree Lighting on Thanksgiving night.
The Macy’s Great Tree Lighting Show will begin promptly at 7 p.m. It will be capped off with a spectacular fireworks finale.
Be sure to join Channel 2's Monica Pearson and David Chandley on Thanksgiving night at 7 p.m. for the lighting of Macy's Great Tree live on Channel 2.
WSBTV