Behind the Scenes: Wynn’s Old Tree Gets a New Home

Horticulturist Freddy Cordon has been at Wynn Las Vegas since the resort opened in 2005. Recently, he had the opportunity to give an essential member of the Wynn family a new home.

Thanks to Cordon's meticulous care, a majestic tree from the original Desert Inn Golf Course—the land Wynn now stands on—has found a new resting place. This unique relocation process has brought the tree to a prominent spot at the front of the resort, on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Sands Avenue.

More than 75 years old and weighing 44,000, the tree and its move required tremendous care and ingenuity.

“Before we opened, we moved [the tree] to the nursery we have here. We had to make sure the roots were healthy and build a new box. All the branches are seven to eight feet long, and the tree is over 50 feet long. We had to tie all the branches so it could travel from the nursery to the front of the resort.”

The tree traveled under traffic lights and bridges on its nighttime journey around the block, a delicate and precise process overseen by the horticulturist.

“One little mistake—you know, we're human beings—the weather, the wind, laying the tree on the truck, lifting the tree from the truck. It is emotional, it’s exciting, but it’s nerve-racking. You always have to make some adjustments until you find the right angle,” he says.

In the end, the process is unforgettable because it’s not easy, but the feeling of accomplishment afterward is priceless, says Corden.

These moments have made him a dedicated Wynn employee for almost 20 years.

“These are things that only happen here. “If it is better, we'll make it greater. If it is great, we'll make it outstanding.”

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