As Summer Approaches, Michigan Looking For Official Christmas Tree. Ho Ho Ho!

Nothing like 90 degree weather to make one think of Christmas. The state needs an official tree.

Hunters track deer. Mushroomers hunt for morels. And today, the state of Michigan is asking you to be on the lookout for a classic conifer to serve as the state’s official 2016 Christmas tree. 

On Tuesday, Michigan’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget officially kicked off hunting season for the tree that will reign over downtown Lansing’s holiday festivities.

“This is the perfect time to start searching for Michigan’s Christmas tree,” DTMB Director David Behen. “Families driving to vacations at the lake or in the woods can spend their travel time looking for the perfect tree. Not just any tree can grow up to represent Michigan.”

To be considered, the tree needs to meet several criteria. Nominees must be:

• A spruce or fir.
• At least 65 feet tall with a maximum crown of 30 feet and maximum trunk diameter of 30 inches.
• Within easy access of a road with no interference from wires.
• Available at no cost.

DTMB works with the Michigan Association of Timbermen and Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association to bring the tree to Lansing. In the last 30 years, trees have come from locations across the state – from the yards of Michiganders to public land near highways and forests. Last year's tree was harvested in Wakefield, just 10 miles east of the Wisconsin border.

Nominations are requested by Aug. 15, 2016. Individuals who wish to nominate a tree are asked to send their name, telephone number, a photograph of the tree and information about its size and location to ChristmasTree@michigan.gov.