Overview
- The 23‑metre Nordmann fir was installed on Dresden’s Altmarkt over the weekend and visitors quickly noted a sparse lower section and an almost invisible tip.
- Stadt Dresden acknowledged the tree lost a few branches during transport and said crews have professionally repaired the affected spots and attached replacement branches.
- The private donor, Mario Paul, told reporters the tree left his property in better condition and suggested the damage occurred while the tree was being moved to the city.
- Leipzig’s market tree suffered a bent branch when felled but market officials said it was wired and repaired immediately so the defect is no longer visible.
- Organisers plan to mask remaining flaws with extensive decoration and lighting, including a 2,160‑metre LED chain and a large Herrnhuter star for the Striezelmarkt opening on November 25, and the incident follows past regional episodes of public mockery over sparse public Christmas trees.