That beloved tradition of harvesting the city Christmas tree began before dawn Wednesday.

CBS 58 was there as there as the 32 foot tall Colorado Blue Spruce was plucked from a home near 26th and Maple.

The tree is from the 8th Aldermanic District, represented by Ald. Robert Donovan and was donated by Thomas Scannell and Elizabeth Hipp.

The tree was then transported to a planter at a choice spot along Wells Street by City Hall.

Decorations will soon cover every branch in time for the tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. on November 16th.

It's never too early to consider donating your tree.

"People come to the city, and ask us to take a look at their tree." Mayor Tom Barrett says. "So, the staff goes out and looks at them and decides which is a special one."

2017 marks the 104th year of the Christmas tree celebration in Milwaukee, the second oldest such celebration in the United States behind New York City.