True, we haven’t even begun to hit our stride for beach weather yet, and although United Way of SW Michigan is teeing up Christmas in June, and inevitably some retailers will conduct Christmas in July celebrations of some sort, this will sound considerably premature — the State of Michigan is looking for their 2019 Michigan Christmas Tree, and they want your help.
Yesterday, Wednesday, May 29th, Michigan’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget officially began the search for the right tree to grace the State Capitol grounds for the holiday season.
Director Trish Foster says, “We are looking for help from Michiganders to select the perfect tree,” and adds, “As people are traveling the state this summer we ask them to be on the lookout for that one tree that that would look great adorned in lights in front of the Capitol this winter.”
To be considered, trees need to fit the following criteria:
- TYPE: Spruce or fir
- SIZE: At least 60 feet tall with a maximum crown of 24 feet and maximum trunk diameter of 30 inches
- ACCESS: Easy access to the road with no interference from wires
- COST: Available at no cost
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 each yeaer. In the last 32 years, trees have come from locations all across the state – from back yards to public land near highways and forests. Last year’s tree was donated by Mike and Shelly Katto of Alpena.
The deadline for tree nominations is Thursday, August 15th, 2019. 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:
Christmas Tree Search
Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget
Building Operations Division
P.O. Box 30026
Lansing, MI 48909
Happy hunting, and happy holidays…Okay, that’s just too soon, isn’t it!
