Meteorologist Jeff Ranieri

What a day (FRIDAY) I had in NYC. It was all about the Christmas tree arriving at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. I was sent to the plaza to talk about the tree all day... not a bad way to end the week and get in the holiday spirit.

I have seen the tree many times and it never disappoints. While it's always so beautiful I have wondered many times how they get it placed so perfectly. This curiosity was no doubt spurred by having several trees growing up, that fell over!!!!

WATCH IT: Jeff Ranieri & The Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Mom, Dad, listen up. I got my answer on how the tree is set perfectly in place, here's the deal:

The trucked rolled in around 6 am and a team of over twenty workers wasted no time. From a flatbed truck the tree was hoisted by crane, onto a platform about 7 feet up and then cabled. The 4 cables are key as they are the only thing anchoring the tree in place from different points in the plaza. The cables were all connected by 1pm and the tree was in place.

From 1pm on the tree was then fitted with scaffolding from top to bottom. The worker levels will take two days to complete. After all of the scaffolding is stacked then the decorating begins. We can expect the lights to be added next week with the tree lighting towards the end of the month!

While the tree will be up till after Christmas NBC is continuing it's green mission. As my colleague Jackie Meretsky mentioned in a prior blog the tree is recycled and turned into mulch and the trunk of the tree is used for the National Equestrian Team. This recycling tradition has been in place for decades and will ensure no wasting of the giant Norway Spruce. The tree will also feature GE energy efficient LED bulbs that use 90% less energy. (you can also get these at the store for your own tree as well :-)

Well, it's time to wrap up the day and as I finish this blog I still can't believe how quick this tree was put in place and it seemed as if mother nature knew just what was happening. From around 1pm on the tree was treated to a cold rain and even some snow! The current weather is sure to make the newest guest to the plaza feel right at home and staying green.