The National Tree (2009) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Rock wins nationwide tree-planting contest

Seventeen-year-old Rock Burdock is announced as the winner of a nationwide contest to have his tree planted across the White House. Faith Russell, a marketing representative from Box of Toys, visits Rock and his father Corey to discuss the project. The victory sets the story in motion and kicks off a cross-country journey.

Faith visits Rock and sets project in motion

Faith visits Rock and his father Corey to outline the plan and logistics for transporting the tree. Corey expresses reservations about moving the tree and insists on delivering it himself. The visit establishes the stakes and mutual concerns that will fuel the road trip.

Agreement to drive the tree across country

Corey agrees to take on the cross-country transport only if they deliver the tree themselves. They load the tree onto their truck and set off, beginning a long road trip. Faith continues to follow in her car, coordinating from behind the convoy.

Tensions rise as the road trip unfolds

On the road, Rock and Corey struggle to strengthen their bond, and old dissensions surface. Rock films the journey for his vlog, capturing the arguments and moments of bonding alike. Faith trails along, adding a third perspective to the voyage.

Katie joins the journey

Rock's internet acquaintance and budding love interest Katie joins the trip, providing company and support. Her presence deepens the online fan narrative and introduces new emotional stakes. The group dynamic shifts as followers watch the evolving friendship.

Arrival in Washington, D.C. on Thanksgiving

The convoy reaches Washington, D.C. on Thanksgiving, bringing the cross-country effort to a pivotal location. Media coverage begins to surge as viewers and fans rally around the mission. The tree's destination in the nation’s capital amplifies the public interest.

When

Thanksgiving

Where

Washington, D.C.

The boss's scheme to repeat the contest and erect the tree

Faith's boss reveals a plan to repeat the contest annually and to erect the tree instead of planting it. This twist threatens the original mission and escalates the conflict. Faith tries to persuade her boss to abandon the plan, but her arguments fail.

Rock is cuffed to the tree to protest its destruction

With the new plan in motion, Rock is cuffed to the tree to protest its destruction and to safeguard it from removal. The protest attracts more attention and rallies public support. The tense standoff becomes a focal point of the campaign and media coverage.

Protest grows, fueling media attention and public support

The public and media rally behind the protesters, amplifying the story across platforms. Rock's vlog and ongoing updates keep fans engaged and mobilized. The mounting pressure influences perceptions and underscores the power of citizen-driven action.

The President intervenes and directs planting

The President intervenes by calling the park ranger and ordering that the tree be planted. This high-level intervention collapses the obstacle and validates the protesters' efforts. The moment highlights a political resolution to a grassroots campaign.

Where

Washington, D.C.

The tree is planted

Following the President's intervention, the tree is planted as planned. Rock, Corey, Faith, and Katie observe the ceremony and feel the culmination of their long journey. The cross-country odyssey ends with a public success and symbolic victory.

Where

Washington, D.C.

Invitation to the Christmas tree lighting

Rock, Corey, Faith, and Katie are invited to attend the Christmas lighting of the tree hosted by the President. The invitation signals a closing of the arc and a final moment of public celebration. The group reflects on the journey and its impact as the holidays approach.

When

Christmas season

Where

Washington, D.C.

The Christmas tree lighting ceremony

The Christmas tree lighting ceremony takes place, with the President presiding and the four companions in attendance. The event serves as a public culmination and a moment of national celebration. The story emphasizes unity and holiday spirit surrounding the tree’s fate.

When

Christmas

Where

White House grounds, Washington, D.C.

Closing reflections on the journey

In the final moments, the film reflects on the impact of social media, family bonds, and civic engagement sparked by a simple tree. The characters acknowledge the experiences they've shared and the attention they've received. The story ends with a hopeful note for the holidays and beyond.

When

Christmas

Where

Washington, D.C.