Buying a new home is a big deal. For many homeowners, it's one of the most important decisions they ever make. When it comes to such a substantial choice, there are a lot of factors to consider, like:
Getting the answers to those questions can be hard but finding a trustworthy manufactured home company can be even more challenging. Sure, you could settle for a fly-by-night company or a shady mobile home dealer. But if you're like most folks, you want to work with a reliable company that has been in business for years. You need a team of professionals who can answer your questions, address your concerns, and sell you a quality home that will keep your family safe and sound.
Welcome to Ken-Co Homes Inc. - your premier choice for mobile home sales in Mt. Pisgah, SC. Ken-Co Homes has been Lake City's go-to manufactured home since 1974. With several locations in South Carolina, we're the first choice for manufactured homes in the state. As longtime locals in the community, we pride ourselves on honesty, hard work, and running a manufactured home business that you can count on.
There's no secret sauce that makes Ken-Co Homes successful. We work hard, sell the finest Clayton, Destiny, Scotbilt, Homes, and treat our customers like we would like to be treated. That's why, when you meet our team for your home tour, you'll be treated with respect and greeted with a warm smile. Whether you have questions regarding financing or the fit and finish of a floorplan, we'll maintain that same level of kindness, courtesy, and honesty. That way, you know for sure that you have invested in a top-notch manufactured home that your family will love.
Unlike other manufactured home dealers, we have a full selection of Clayton Homes for sale with attractive floor plans to fit your unique lifestyle. When you choose Ken-Co Homes, you're also choosing:
We offer our valued customers a $500 guarantee that we will meet or beat ANY competitor who has a lower price on one of our homes with the same options. Don't believe us? Contact our office today!
With decades of combined experience, our team has the tools and know-how to make your buying process smooth and stress-free.
Buying a home can be challenging, especially with travel logistics and other factors at play. Our team can help answer any questions you have about buying a home and transporting it to a park or piece of private land.
When you buy from Ken-Co Homes, you're investing in a high-quality product that your family will love for years to come. With more than a dozen home choices, you're sure to find a new home that matches your lifestyle.
We'll work with you one-on-one to ensure you get the home of your dreams. If you have questions or concerns once you move in, give us a call - we're here to help.
We offer detail-oriented, experienced set-up crews that make living life in your new home easy and efficient.
At Ken-Co Homes, we offer flexible financing options to help make buying your dream home a reality.
Whether you're looking for a smaller two-bedroom manufactured home or a large, luxurious four-bedroom manufactured home, our friendly consultants are ready to help you build the home of your dreams.
"Is there a difference between a mobile home and a manufactured home?" is one of the most common questions we get online and in person. Today, many people use mobile home and manufactured home interchangeably. That's understandable because both types of homes share similar features and benefits for homeowners. However, understanding the minor differences can be valuable when searching for a new place to call home.
Unlike site-built homes, manufactured homes are built in a factory. Once completed, they're shipped to a specific location where the homeowner will live. The term "manufactured home" refers to any factory-built home constructed after June 15, 1976. That date is when the HUD or U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development implemented guidelines centered around manufactured home construction.
HUD code requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a base frame with wheels with a minimum of 320 square feet.
Thanks to fast build times and lower material costs, manufactured homes for sale in Mt. Pisgah, SC is often more cost-effective for home buyers. Compared to traditional site-built homes, many manufactured homes can be up to 35% less than more traditional houses.
Any mobile homes built after June 15, 1976, are considered manufactured homes today, though many people use the term mobile home casually. In the past, these homes were used to travel and were more like the expensive RVs that people use today than true manufactured homes. Back then, mobile homes received a bad reputation due to poor build quality, but they've come a long way since that time. Today, mobile homes are safe, comfortable, and structurally sound, with many types of amenities and floor plans.
Manufactured homes are more popular in the U.S. than ever, and for good reason: prospective homeowners are looking for affordable, quality alternatives to traditional homes. That's especially true today, with inflation on the rise, necessitating more budget-friendly options for anyone who wants to put a roof over their heads.
If you're used to living in a traditional, site-built home, you may be wondering what the advantages are of buying a manufactured home. Here are just a few of the most common benefits of buying a manufactured home:
When you boil it down to the basics, buying a new home is all about the money. One of the most attractive reasons for buying a manufactured home is that they are often much less expensive than traditional site-built homes. Today, manufactured housing is considered a crucial part of the housing shortage solution and a viable option with inflation rising. According to statistics, the average square-foot cost of a site-built home is $107, while the average price is only $49 in a manufactured home. Whether you're sticking to a strict budget or your finances have changed due to poor economic conditions, going manufactured might be your best choice.
Owning a manufactured home gives the homeowner long-term living options. Because basic manufactured homes are usually very affordable, families with enough land can start with a small home and add additional units as their needs change. Manufactured homes are also great as starter homes, especially for families that plan on building a permanent structure on their land in the future. Though it could be logistically challenging, manufactured homes can also be moved to a different site if the initial one was on rented property.
Manufactured homes have received a bad rap over the last few decades. In reality, most manufactured homes are purpose-built for longevity with structural integrity. Every manufactured home built today is subject to the HUD code adopted in 1976. This code is the only federally-mandated code in existence. It was designed to ensure that manufactured homes meet strict standards regarding fire safety, structural design, energy efficiency, transportation to home sites, and overall construction. All manufactured homes sold in the U.S. have a permanent red seal to confirm they meet HUD standards.
When you buy a manufactured home, you may be able to move in faster than you would via traditional routes. Some manufactured homes are even move-in ready in less than 45 days. Compared to a traditional home, once a new manufactured home is built in the factory, buyers usually find that installation is a quick process. Once the manufactured home is delivered, utility work usually moves quickly, regardless of whether you're moving to a park or transporting your home to a piece of land. Before you know it, you're eating, sleeping, and enjoying life in your new manufactured home.
When asked about the pros and cons, many buyers cite energy efficiency as one of the most significant benefits of owning a manufactured home. In general, manufactured housing is more energy efficient than traditional because HUD mandates ensure that homes have high energy efficiency ratings.
These ratings are achieved through upgraded insulation installation, on-demand water heaters, and energy-efficient windows. These upgrades often make entire manufactured homes Energy Star certified. It's no surprise that manufactured homes are 27% more efficient than they used to be with other additions like energy-saving appliances in kitchens and bathrooms.
If you've ever lived in an apartment complex before, chances are you heard sounds and noises through your walls that you never wanted to hear. If you hate hearing your neighbors and despise thin walls, looking for mobile home sales in Mt. Pisgah, SC is a great idea. Why? Manufactured homes are typically built using separate modules, which reduces sound transference from room to room. When two or more modules are combined and insulated separately, buyers enjoy an even quieter, stronger home with less outside noise.
If there's one disappointing aspect of manufactured homes, the stigma seems to surround them. Yes, mobile homes from 30 or more years ago aren't exactly marvels of construction and deserve to be criticized. However, modern manufactured homes are cut from a different cloth and are often every bit as safe and luxurious as site-built homes.
Here are some of the most common (and annoying) mobile home myths debunked:
Modern manufactured homes are factory-built homes crafted with quality materials that meet comprehensive federal construction and safety standards. These standards, called the "HUD Code," outline how the homes must be built, including safety guidelines. For example, manufactured home builders must take strict measures to ensure their homes are resistant to wind. In terms of hurricanes and tornados, having such measures in place can prevent a tragedy from happening.
The bottom line is that manufactured homes are plenty safe and provide a quality product to people who want a lower-cost option over traditional housing.
One of the most repeated myths surrounding manufactured homes is that they are in poor shape and have an overall poor quality. Today, many manufactured homes are built with quality materials and care. It's not unusual to find a manufactured home with luxurious amenities and features lie state-of-the-art kitchens, high-end appliances, and chic open floor plans. At Ken-Co Homes, we can provide you with a complete list of available upgrades and amenities for you to enjoy in your new home.
Perhaps it's due to their popularity and lower prices, but we often hear that it's hard to find manufactured homes for sale. As seasoned home dealers, we can say this is categorically false. Whether you head over to Google and search for "mobile homes near me in Mt. Pisgah, SC," or simply head to Ken-Co Homes' website, you'll see plenty of homes to choose from. Contact our office today for a full list of our homes for sale!
When it comes to home prices in today's day and age, manufactured homes are among the most affordable options available.
That's because manufactured homes cost less to construct than site-built homes, with the average price costing $92K for new construction and $60K for a pre-owned manufactured home, according to recent data. The cost of a traditional home is much higher, with an average of $408K, according to Statista data from 2021. Even though manufactured home living costs change depending on the community, they're often much less expensive than their site-built cousins in the long run.
This myth parallels the stereotype that manufactured homes are cheap and poorly built. Unfortunately, many people still believe that living in a manufactured home community isn't safe. They think that the parks are run down and riddled with reprobates. In reality, many manufactured home parks mimic gated communities with 24-hour security and mandated quiet hours. Some manufactured home neighborhoods even offer community-wide amenities like spas and pools. If you're a fan of the gated community lifestyle but don't want to pay hundreds of thousands for a site-built home, a manufactured home community could be your best bet.
Are you giving serious thought to buying a manufactured home for sale in South Carolina? You're not alone - more than 365K people in the Palmetto State live in manufactured homes. At Ken-Co Homes Inc., we're not your average run-of-the-mill manufactured home dealer. We only do business with manufacturing partners committed to building top-quality products that our customers are proud to own.
If you're looking for modern amenities, energy-efficient appliances, unique floorplans, and homes constructed with quality materials, Ken-Co Homes is the company for you. Contact our office today to learn more about our beautiful Clayton homes for sale in Mt. Pisgah, SC.
The former school welcomes a food pantry, medical clinic, and gymnasium to bring residents of the rural community together.KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — The sights and sounds of what used to be an elementary school have quickly evolved as the former Mt. Pisgah Elementary School has now opened as a community center.The school was consolidated with Bethune Elementary and Baron-DeKalb to form what is now North Central Elementary, leaving the buildin...
The former school welcomes a food pantry, medical clinic, and gymnasium to bring residents of the rural community together.
KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — The sights and sounds of what used to be an elementary school have quickly evolved as the former Mt. Pisgah Elementary School has now opened as a community center.
The school was consolidated with Bethune Elementary and Baron-DeKalb to form what is now North Central Elementary, leaving the building vacant. But, after a lot of hard work, the community has brought new life to the building.
"I grew up in the community, and I went to school here for 12 years," said Mt. Pisgah Community and Resource Center Board President Faye Libby. "I left and came back in 2014, and I swore I would never come back here to live because there is absolutely nothing to do. But now I'm thinking, 'Oh boy, we've got a lot to do in our rural country area.'"
"Next Tuesday, the 7th of February, we will open the first food distribution of United Way and so the people up in the area can come and get the foods and then, in a week or two, the Carolina Medical Center is gonna be open," Libby said.
The Medical Center will be free to the public and looks to be open on Tuesdays only, but it's an effort to provide medical resources outside of Camden into this community.
"Now, we're open Sunday afternoons from 2-4:30 p.m. where we open the facility, but we have been averaging about 55-60 people on Sunday afternoon. The gym floor is full of people shooting hoops," Libby said.
"It feels good because for basic needs, the towns around are about 10-12 miles away," says lifelong Mt. Pisgah resident Joe Ogburn.
"It's been very good," resident Mary Davis said. "I've gotten to meet several of the volunteers that you don't get to meet because you are spread out and you don't know them."
The center is hosting a yard sale on February 11th from 8 a.m. -1 p.m. with all money raised going back into the center.
For hours when the center is open, they are telling people to check their Facebook Page, as they continue to welcome different entities.
Former Mt. Pisgah Elementary was consolidated back in October with two other schools' forming North Central Elementary.KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — Kershaw County Council will cast their final vote on Tuesday evening for the July 2022 to June 2023 budget.One of the items in the budget is to use a portion of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) a total of $300,000 dollars to transform Mt. Pisgah Elementary S...
Former Mt. Pisgah Elementary was consolidated back in October with two other schools' forming North Central Elementary.
KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — Kershaw County Council will cast their final vote on Tuesday evening for the July 2022 to June 2023 budget.
One of the items in the budget is to use a portion of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) a total of $300,000 dollars to transform Mt. Pisgah Elementary School into a community center.
The school was consolidated with Bethune Elementary and Baron-Dekalb to make what is now North Central Elementary, which has left that area with an empty building.
Tom Gardner, Kershaw County Councilman for District 6 says, "The Old Mt. Pisgah school it's been there for ninety-eight years in that community, it means a lot, and everything is centered being very rural around the churches and that school."
Councilman Gardner says it was an idea that came to mind months back and won't cost taxpayers, "It is the ARPA fun we're setting it up three-hundred thousand and basically, it's one hundred for renovations, then two years of operating money, and then at which time we will be creating a non-profit to operate the community center."
RELATED: New Kershaw County school resource officer glad to be home, share lessons learned
The building has brought in several entities to tour and explore options, "We talked to some of our agencies here, the Medical Clinic, United Way, Food For The Soul, Arts Center, Library, they all actually took a tour of the building and they felt like that could provide services that are twenty-five miles away."
RELATED: Meet new Kershaw County's new school superintendent
Donny Supplee with United Way of Kershaw County is one of those people who came out to see what the building offered, "A bunch of folks who really care about that community and want to make a difference, and so I agreed and we wanted to help as well."
Gardner hopes the process will begin soon, "Hopefully we can get it going once everything gets transferred."
This is the first in a series “Forest Plan in Action.”For Forest Supervisor of the North Carolina National Forests James Melonas, the more than a million acres of land that make up the Nantahala and Pisgah forests are a puzzle. After more than a decade of putting the pieces together, the community got a first glimpse at the complex composition when the Forest Service released the ...
This is the first in a series “Forest Plan in Action.”
For Forest Supervisor of the North Carolina National Forests James Melonas, the more than a million acres of land that make up the Nantahala and Pisgah forests are a puzzle. After more than a decade of putting the pieces together, the community got a first glimpse at the complex composition when the Forest Service released the long-awaited plan on Friday.
The final puzzle contains four main themes, according to Melonas: restoring forest ecosystems, providing clean and abundant water, connecting people to the land and acting in partnership with others.
The contours of the plan are shaped around the themes and the needs of the specific geographic regions in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.
“We've created what we call geographic areas, so different parts of the forest that we have specific goals and objectives to achieve within those,” Melonas said.
For example, the Davidson River area in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard has more recreation use than a backcountry area further west in the Nantahala National Forest.
“We know that we're going to continue to see changes in climate and the frequency and intensity of storm events and insect and disease outbreaks are going to continue to increase,” Melonas said. “And so we need to be able to adapt over time to those changes and the plan allows us to do that.”
Alongside the final plan, the 754-page environmental impact statement was published as well as the 95-page record of decision which explains the reasoning behind the plan. All those documents and others are available on the Forest Service website.
Changes from the objections
Last January, the final draft plan was released, and stakeholders submitted about 800 eligible objections filed by stakeholders in March 2022. The Forest Service made changes to the final plan based on some of the objections, Melonas said. The final plan added 474 additional acres to the Big Ivy/Craggy Mountain Forest Service Scenic Area and 234 acres at Shope Creek and Snowball Mountain as part of a Special Interest Area. Objections also added a process for collaborative trail planning opportunities with recreation stakeholders. The plan also added the North Fork of the French Broad River to the Wild and Scenic Rivers list based on objections received.
Melonas said the Forest Service team learned a lot from the community during this process. This is the first time that the Forest Service has taken on community input for the Forest Plan in this way.
“We've learned a great deal. The first thing I say is that there's an incredible amount of passion for Nantahala-Pisgah. I haven't met anybody that doesn't love these forests. And we know that there's a great diversity of values and ideas on how best to manage the forests,” Melonas said. “We also are really humbled by the incredible amount of work and dedication from so many partners to help us develop this plan.”
Tribal Partners
Melonas also highlighted the partnership between federally recognized tribes and the Forest Service in the development of the plan.
"We're very excited and proud of our work consulting with our tribal partners,” said Melonas.
The record of decision lists 12 tribes with historic ties and interests in the management of the Forests in the plan area.
Those tribes include:
• Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas
• Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town
• Catawba Indian Nation
• Cherokee Nation
• Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana
• Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
• Kialegee Tribal Town
• Muscogee (Creek) Nation
• Poarch Band of Creek Indians
• Thlopthlocco Tribal Town
• United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
• Shawnee Tribe
Old growth forests and new growth
One focus of the new plan is having different ages of trees throughout the forest, Melonas said. The new forest plan establishes 265,000 acres of the forest as part of an old growth network, an increase of about 50,000 acres of the current old growth network and in the old plan. The network makes up about a quarter of the forest. The large majority of the forest is between 80 to 120 years old because of logging in the past.
“We recognize in the plan that we need more young forest, and we need more old forest and, and what we call open forest, that kind of mosaic fire adapted forest that's a little bit more open,” he said. “And we recognized the need for working to create young forests, which is important for many wildlife species.”
Nine newly eligible wild and scenic rivers
The plan identifies nine waterways as newly eligible to be “wild and scenic rivers,” a federal designation designed “to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.” The Cullasaja River, Fires Creek, Flat Laurel Creek, North Fork French Broad River, Santeetlah Creek, South Toe River, Thompson River, West Fork Pigeon River, and Whitewater River all made the list. These rivers, plus the ten already eligible rivers, brings the total eligible wild and scenic rivers in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests to 19.
“As we know, Nantahala-Pisgah has some of the most incredible rivers and waterfalls and water systems of any national forest,” Melonas said. ”When we look at ‘wild and scenic rivers,’ those are ones that are outstanding in their values, really stand above and beyond - whether that's for their scenic characteristics or for recreation values.”
Maintenance needs
The plan identifies a backlog of maintenance needs that the Forest Service plans to address through partnership with local organizations. Melonas cites Tropical Storm Fred in 2021 as one example.
“So what that looks like on the ground is replacing old culverts that we know are going to get blown out in the next storm event with structures that provide passage for trout and other mountain species that rely on those stream and rivers in the forest to better withstand the storm event,” he said.
Addressing the maintenance needs serves another function: making the forest more resilient to climate change by preparing for stronger storms and other tactics.
Issues not addressed in the plan
While the Forest Service Record of Decision includes five main issues addressed during the development of the Forest Plan: Vegetation Patterns and Wildlife Habitats, Special Designations, Access, Recreation, and Economic Contributions of the Forests, it also acknowledges issues not yet addressed.
The plan does not include a decision on oil and gas leasing on the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest or a decision on the management of the Chattooga River, which was designated as Wild and Scenic around 1974.
The Forest Service declined to include an oil and gas leasing decision because of the low potential for commercial development of oil and gas deposit in the Forests, according to the decision. “If technologies change and there is interest in commercial interest in developing those resources, the oil and gas availability will be re-evaluated at that time,” the decision states.
Ongoing monitoring is necessary to determine if a change in visitor use management on the Chattooga River is needed, according to the decision. The river is currently managed with the Sumter National Forest of South Carolina and the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest of Georgia.
Athletes from the Charlotte and Raleigh areas are well-represented on the 2023 Carolinas Classic rosters, which were released Wednesday.The game pits some of the best N.C. public school athletes against their S.C. counterparts annually. This year’s game will be played March 25 at Hoggard High School in WilmingtonFour Charlotte Observer-area boys and four girls were named to the N.C. rosters. Charlotte-area boys included Myers Park’s Elijah Strong, Hough’s Trey Horton, Chase’s Addison Archer and Bessemer ...
Athletes from the Charlotte and Raleigh areas are well-represented on the 2023 Carolinas Classic rosters, which were released Wednesday.
The game pits some of the best N.C. public school athletes against their S.C. counterparts annually. This year’s game will be played March 25 at Hoggard High School in Wilmington
Four Charlotte Observer-area boys and four girls were named to the N.C. rosters. Charlotte-area boys included Myers Park’s Elijah Strong, Hough’s Trey Horton, Chase’s Addison Archer and Bessemer City’s Randall Pettus.
Observer-area girls selections included North Mecklenburg’s Nevaeh Farmer, Lake Norman’s Kirsten Lewis-Williams, Shelby’s Ally Hollifield and Newton-Conover’s Cassidy Geddes.
The Raleigh-area had two boy on the rosters, Holly Springs’ Collin Kuhl and Farmville Central’s Jah Short. Two Raleigh-area girls were named: Millbrook’s Rechel Douglas and Clayton’s Darrionna Howard.
▪ In addition to the games, the student-athletes will participate in community service events, including a visit to the Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and four New Hanover County elementary schools.
▪ Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students. Proceeds benefit Camp Corral, a nonprofit that supports the lives of children of wounded and fallen military heroes.
Head coach: Ike Walker, Jack Britt
Assistant coach: Billy Martin, RJ Reynolds
Jacob Adair, 6-3, Enka
Addison Archer, 6-7, Chase
James Scott, 6-11, EE Smith
Elijah Strong, 6-8, Myers Park
Trey Horton, 6-5, Hough
Collin Kuhl, 6-8, Holly Springs
DyQuavion “Jah” Short, 6-4, Farmville Central
Randall Pettus, 6-2, Bessemer City
Jack Voth, 6-5, Hoggard
Head coach: Marlon Lee, Clayton
Assistant coach: Brandon Holloway, Pisgah
Daneesha Briggs, 5-7, Beddingfield
Reychel Douglas, 6-0, Millbrook
Kirsten Lewis-Williams, 5-10, Lake Norman
Nevaeh Farmer, 5-3, North Mecklenburg
Darrionna Howard, 6-0, Clayton
Ally Hollifield, 5-6, Shelby
Cassidy Geddes, 5-7, Newton-Conover
Ka’Nyah O’Neal, 5-8, Southside
Evangelia Paulk, 6-0, Asheville
Caroline Thiel, 6-0, Rocky Mount
Head coach: Jerome Stewart, Timerland
Assistant coach: Joshua Staley, Ridge View
Montraivis White, 5-9, Gray Collegiate
Chrisean Oree, 6-1, Keenan
Sean Lindsay, 5-11, Dorman
Arden Conyers, 6-7, Westwood
Justin Britt, 6-5, Goose Creek
Malachi Stevens, 6-4, Oceanside
Horace Jacques, 6-1, Orangeburg-Wilkinson
Brandon Crawford, 6-9, Irmo
Jordan Butler, 7-0, Christ Church
Avantae Parker, 6-8, Gray Collegiate
Head coach: Perry Stokes
Assistant coach: Jeanette Wilder, Saluda
Jessica Means, 5-6, Saluda
Jessica Woods, 5-8, Westwood
Alaina Nettles, 5-7, Summerville
Amiyah Ferguson, 5-7, Timberland
Dasia Ferguson, 5-9, Dorman
Yasmine Cook, 5-9, Stratford
Trinity Delaney, 6-0, AC Flora
Kamari Thompson, 6-0, Southside
P’eris Smith, 6-0, North Augusta
Lindsay Garner, 6-2, Lexington
This story was originally published February 15, 2023, 3:26 PM.
Nov. 2, 2022 - Crews worked to cut down a 78-foot red spruce dubbed "Ruby" from Pisgah National Forest on Wednesday in preparation for its tour to Washington D.C. where it will stand in front of the U.S. Capitol. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Each Christmas, a tree from one of America’s national forests is chosen to stand in front of the U.S. Capitol. The honor this year goes to the Pisgah National Forest.From NC to DC: Capitol Christmas tree harvested from Pisgah National Forest...
Nov. 2, 2022 - Crews worked to cut down a 78-foot red spruce dubbed "Ruby" from Pisgah National Forest on Wednesday in preparation for its tour to Washington D.C. where it will stand in front of the U.S. Capitol. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Each Christmas, a tree from one of America’s national forests is chosen to stand in front of the U.S. Capitol. The honor this year goes to the Pisgah National Forest.
From NC to DC: Capitol Christmas tree harvested from Pisgah National Forest
Removing the 78-foot red spruce Wednesday took a lot of careful planning and coordination.
First, the choice had to be made. The U.S. Capitol architect narrowed options down to the Pisgah National Forest.
“He made his pick," says Matt Eldridge, timber sale administrator with the U.S. Forest Service. "Ruby, the red spruce and the scientific name is Picea rubens."
He says harvesting takes more than a chain saw.
“That crane is going to lift it," Eldridge says. "The other crane is going to hook to it till we get it horizontal, gently lowering it onto that truck."
Fellow U.S. Forest Service timber sale administrator Rodney Smith had the honors of handling the chain saw, admitting he was a bit nervous.
“A little bit, which I would hope would be acceptable,” he said
CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE, FROM NC THIS YEAR, MAKING SEVERAL IN-STATE STOPS ON WAY TO DC
First, workers had to hook up the crane's rigging to the top of the tree.
Smith and his Forest Service crew worked at the base. He made what's called a B-cut -- sawing about halfway on one side.
“Come to the other side and cut in about half that distance, pop another wedge in for support,” Smith said.
The plan wasn’t to drop the tree, but free it, so the crane could lift it away. Bluetooth connections kept everyone in communication.
“I’ll let them know when I’m making the final cut and basically say, 'crane operator, she's all yours’,” said Smith.
All the planning paid off perfectly and was music to all interested parties.
“Where we're at is ancestral Cherokee homeland," says Joey Owle, Cherokee secretary of agriculture and natural resources. "We are able to partner with the Forest Service with this mutual respect."
There was appreciation of a major sponsor adding an element to the big tree.
WITH LIMITED SUPPLY OF FRASER FIRS THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON, EXPECT HIGHER PRICES
“There's a companion truck that’s going to follow the tree up on its route and deliver some Christmas trees to some of our military families at Joint Base Andrews,” said Ryan Adair with 84 Lumber in Asheville.
It all adds up to this year's U.S. Capitol Christmas tree arriving in Washington soon.
“She’ll be decorated with thousands of ornaments, hand-made by North Carolinians all across the state,” says the U.S. Forest Service’s Lorie Stroup.
From here, the tree is loaded onto the truck. It will travel across North Carolina for two weeks and arrive on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 18.
Click here to learn more about the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.