LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For nearly 20 years, Louisville Urban Forestry has given trees too big for their yards a new life as the city's Christmas tree.

This year's centerpiece came from David Russell's front yard in Valley Station — a northern spruce he planted 25 years ago.

"Gonna sit here and watch it go," Russell said as arborists prepared to cut down the tree that had grown too large and too close to his house.

The tree waved goodbye to residents of Stoneridge Landing one last time before beginning its journey to Jefferson Square Park.

'Beaver Santa' takes the honors

Johnny Yan, dressed in a beaver Santa suit complete with tail, had the honors of making the cut this year.

"I'm finally getting able to do this," Yan said. "I could've done it last year but I wasn't confident enough."

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