Crews construct iconic Chandler Tumbleweed Tree

CHANDLER, Ariz. (KSAZ) - "It's a lot of work, but we do it because it is enjoyable to see the public... it's a tradition," Claud Cloff said.

A tradition indeed. The Tumbleweed Tree in the heart of Chandler has dazzled onlookers for more than 60 years.

"The Christmas tree was started by a Chandler resident back in 1957 named Earl Barnum," Cloff said. "I actually met the gentleman when I first started with the city. He would come down and watch us putting up the tree."

Claud Cloff, maintenance supervisor for the City of Chandler Parks, says the tree is made completely out of tumbleweeds and stands 35-feet tall.

"We use about 450 feet of chicken wire, we use between 600 to 1,000 tumbleweeds, depending on the size and where we gather them at," he said.

After the structure is complete, the tree is covered in fire retardant and white paint. Then, after the second and final coat of paint comes thousands of lights and 60 pounds of glitter.

We were lucky enough to catch some workers placing the star at the top fo the tree, but you'll have to wait until the annual tree-lighting ceremony to see the finished product.

"It's December 1st... we have a parade of lights down the main street," Cloff said. "Down Arizona Avenue, the people come down and the mayor flips a switch and the lights come on the tree."