The 35-foot balsam fir that became the New Hampshire’s official Christmas tree on Thursday has been patiently awaiting its moment in the sun since Bill Clinton was president.
“That tree is so big. It stands alone in the middle of a field. It’s one that no one wanted, so we left it and it kept growing. It’s probably about 25 years old,” said Betty Paine, who started River Road Plantation in the Concord village of Penacook with her late husband, James, a veterinarian.
“At this point we need to cut it. It’s shading a lot of other trees,” she added.
Paine was speaking Wednesday, the day before the city came and cut the donated tree, lifted it by crane onto a flatbed truck, then hauled it to the Statehouse plaza.
There, as has happened for years, Department of Transportation officials will decorate it with lights and a traditional tree-topping star. Decoration will take place Monday, and next Friday will see the city’s annual tree lighting celebration.
River Road Plantation began when the Paines bought property near their home “about 30 years ago” from a neighbor. They planted some 3,000 white spruce and balsam fir seedlings with plenty of help from family and friends. The idea, Betty Paine said, was to use it for charity fundraising.
The idea of providing a tree for the Statehouse came from the city, although Betty Paine said she had already discussed it with her son, Stacy, who now owns the farm.
“I had asked him earlier if he would like to contact the city … but before we got around to do that, the city contacted us. We suggested they walk through and see what’s available. They called back the same day and said yes.”
Asked whether she’ll miss the largest of what might be considered the family’s arboreal children, Betty Paine was wistful.
“Yes, I’ll miss it, but it’s time,” she said.