As you launch your summer travels, officials at the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget — DTMB — hope you’ll keep an eye out for what you think might be the perfect tree to grace the Michigan State Capitol grounds this coming Christmas as the state’s official Michigan Christmas Tree.
Yes, we know it’s still spring and Memorial Day hasn’t even arrived yet, and, yes, Christmas is a long way off, but DTMB is serious about their annual search for the perfect tree and want to make sure everybody with an option is able to check in and get their proposed tree registered. That department is tasked each year with the search and eventual harvest of the state Christmas tree, and the search is on for 2021.
DTMB Director Brom Stibitz says, “We rely on our Michiganders to keep a lookout for the perfect tree during their summer travels,” and adds, “Our team that works on this project is excited each year to share the tree with Michigan residents and see it adorned in lights in front of the State Capitol 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: Must be available at no cost to the state of Michigan.
DTMB works with the Michigan Association of Timbermen and the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association to bring the tree to Lansing. In the last 34 years, trees have come from locations all across the state – from backyards to public land near highways and forests. Last year’s 58-foot blue spruce was donated by Larry and Annette Moshkosky from Lansing.
The deadline for tree nominations is Sunday, August 15, 2021. 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 & Budget
Building Operations Division
P.O. Box 30026
Lansing, MI 48909
