Do You Have Michigan's Christmas Tree?

A muggy June day might seem to be an odd time to think about Christmas, but that's exactly what the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget would like you to do…and they'd like you to do it before mid-August. Essentially, the hunt is on for the state's official 2016 Christmas tree.

Hunters track deer. Mushroomers hunt morels. Now, Michiganders far and wide are being asked to be on the lookout for a "classic conifer" to serve as the official Michigan Christmas Tree for 2016.

The Michigan team have kicked off their hunting season for the tree that will reign over downtown Lansing's holiday festivals in the upcoming holiday season. 

David Behen is Director of the Department of Technology, Management & Budget, and he tells us, "This is the perfect time to start searching for Michigan's Christmas tree." He points out, "Families driving to vacations at the lake or in the woods can spend their travel time looking for the perfect tree." He reminds us all, "Not just any tree can grow up to represent Michigan."

In order to be considered, the right 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 electrical utility wires…
• Available at no cost to the state of Michigan…

The Department of Technology, Management & Budget works with the Michigan Association of Timbermen and Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association to bring the tree to Lansing. In the last 30-years, threes 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 August 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, or by mail to this address: