Think you’ve seen the perfect spruce or fir tree for holiday decorating? Is it tree with enough grandeur to grace the Capitol grounds in Lansing and represent the entire state? The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) wants to hear from you.
Each year, DTMB works with the Michigan Association of Timbermen and the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association to find and deliver a tree to Lansing in late October. The journey culminates with a tree-lighting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 17, at the 39th Annual Silver Bells in the City in downtown Lansing.
The DTMB issued the following statement this week:
Over the last 36 years, trees have come from locations across the state – from backyards to public land near highways and forests. Last year’s 63-foot spruce was donated by mother and daughter business partners, Mary Ann and Caitlin Beck, from St. Johns in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
“Although it just stopped snowing, a Pure Michigan summer is quickly approaching and that is a great time for Michiganders to seek out the perfect tree,” said DTMB Director Michelle Lange. “Each year, our team looks forward to selecting the state Christmas tree that becomes a destination for friends and families during the holiday season.”
To be considered, trees need to meet 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 deadline for tree nominations is Monday, Aug. 14. Individuals who wish to nominate a tree are asked to email 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 & Budget
Building Operations Division
P.O. Box 30026
Lansing, MI 48909
