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Search is on for next state Christmas tree

Posted at 1:18 PM, May 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-15 13:18:48-04

It's not beginning to look a lot like Christmas but groups are beginning the search for the state Christmas tree.

On Tuesday, Michigan's Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) officially began the search for the tree that will represent the state at the Capitol for the 2018 holiday season.

"We rely on the general public's help to find a great tree," explained DTMB Director Dave DeVries. "When traveling around the state this summer, our hope is that Michiganders will keep their eyes peeled for just the right tree and let us know when they find it."

Fora tree to be considered for the official state Christmas tree, it needs to meet the following criteria:
· a spruce or fir
· at least 55 feet tall with a maximum crown of 24 feet and maximum trunk diameter of 30 inches
· within easy access of a road with no interference from wires
· available at no cost.

The DTMB works with the group, the Michigan Association of Timbermen and Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, to cut down and travel the tree to Lansing.

For the last 31 years, trees have come from across the state, from people's back yards to public land, even trees off of highways or in forests.

Last year's tree was harvested from the U.P. in Stephenson, Michigan. That was the 23rd tree to be selected from the Upper Peninsula.

The deadline for tree nominations is Wednesday, August 15, 2018.

If you wish to nominate a tree you must send your 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