Okay, on the last pic, why are they cutting slabs of the stump?
I imagine they make nice table-tops and there's probably a rather large demand for them in the art/furn. biz.

Okay, on the last pic, why are they cutting slabs of the stump?

Okay, on the last pic, why are they cutting slabs of the stump?
They are for the family to use for remembering the occasion. They will be varnished and made into decorative items, like an outdoor table.
So this tree is from someone's yard? How cool!

Yes, a NYC firefighter and his family. The Rock Ctr. people knocked on his door on 9/11 asking if they can have the tree. They will be brought to the tree lighting via limo and a night out on the town. They also will get their lawn fixed and cleaned up. They were very happy to be part of the tradition that millions of people will see at Christmas.
Many moons ago, before real estate became so expensive, their house used to be a summer cottage for NYC folk which was converted to year round use. There are many old pines on this road going back 75-100 years. real pretty in the winter when snow is on them.