D.C.’s National Christmas Tree installed with help from 100-ton truck crane

A Link-Belt Cranes 100-ton HTC-86100 truck crane played a key role in placing this year’s National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., an event organized by the National Park Service.

A Link-Belt Cranes 100-ton HTC-86100 truck crane played a key role in placing this year’s National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.

The National Christmas Tree, a cherished American tradition for over a century, symbolizes unity and hope during the holiday season. According to the National Park Service, this year’s treee is a 35-foot Red Spruce from the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia. 

Crane rental specialists L.R. Willson & Sons, based in Gambrills, MD, handled the tree’s installation at the Ellipse—commonly known as President’s Park South—located between the White House and the Washington Monument.

The tradition dates back to 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree. This year, the tree will dazzle visitors with up to 20,000 lights.