two topping out ceremonies are the same, they usually have some combi- nation of a tree, a flag, the ritual signing of the final beam, and a party. others it's a good luck charm for the future occupants"(1984:11). Other accounts attribute the tree as signifying simply that "we [ironworkers] did it" (Kodish, 1989:2).

Why do steel workers put a tree up?

The trees are known as topping trees. They celebrate completion of the skeleton of a building structure. ... For some builders, the evergreen symbolizes that no one in the construction crew died, for others the tree stands as a talisman for good luck and prosperity for the future occupants of the building.

Why do they put trees on buildings?

The history of topping out ceremonies

During the pagan era, it is said that an evergreen tree would be hoisted to the tallest point of a building to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to its occupants.