Michigan leads the nation in Christmas tree production, with a 1999 harvest of more than 3.18 million. Sales of Christmas trees in 1999 had a value of $41 million at the producer level. Michigan Christmas trees can be found in the homes of Michigan families statewide, and are also shipped across the U.S. and in several foreign countries. Michigan supplies more than 20% of the national market, with more than 2.2 million trees sold to other states in 1999.

Michigan Christmas tree producers plant approximately 1.5 million new tree seedlings every spring. There were 54,000 acres of Christmas trees in commercial Christmas tree production at the start of 2000. The top five counties producing Christmas trees are Wexford, Missaukee, Oceana, Montcalm, and Kalkaska. These five counties account for nearly half of all the Christmas tree acreage in Michigan. Nearly 900 growers and many more part-time, seasonal workers earn their living in the Christmas tree industry.

Thanks to the diverse soils in our state, and our proximity to the Great Lakes, Michigan’s environmental conditions help Christmas trees grow rapidly. Excellent quality and variety give Michigan Christmas trees the reputation for excellent needle retention and freshness throughout the holiday season.

Michigan’s Christmas Tree Certification Program

Michigan is one of the largest growers of Christmas trees in the nation. Trees grown in Michigan are sent to Christmas tree lots throughout the United States and to many foreign countries. Because the trees pose a risk of transmitting insect pests to other areas, the trees are required to be inspected and certified free from serious quarantine pests. Gypsy moth and Pine Shoot Beetles are the pest of major concern.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture, Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division offers an inspection and certification program to Michigan Christmas tree growers. Trees grown in Michigan can be inspected by the MDA. If they are free from Gypsy Moth and Pine Shoot Beetle the MDA will issue certificates to the growers which will allow the trees to be shipped in interstate commerce.

Christmas trees that are being shipped to another country, including Canada, need special export certification. Without the proper certification, the receiving countries will not allow the trees to be brought into the country.

For information about the Michigan Christmas tree certification program or shipping requirements to other states or countries, contact the MDA regional office near you. These offices are located in Traverse City (231-922-5210), Grand Rapids (616-356-0600), Saginaw (989-753-4671), St. Joe (616-428-2546), Lansing (517-324-3237), and Southfield (248-356-1701).