Michigan Christmas Tree Shipment Requirements

Annual Notice from the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD)

Michigan producers shipping Christmas trees to certain states or regulated areas may need MDARD inspection and certification to meet destination-state import requirements. This service helps growers obtain the documentation needed to ship to the destinations listed below:

• To non‑quarantined spongy moth areas.
• To Wisconsin to meet their 2023 elongate hemlock scale (EHS) quarantine
• To California, Hawaii, and/or Montana to meet their European pine shoot moth quarantine.
• To California to meet their spotted lanternfly quarantine.
• From regulated areas of Michigan’s 2024 balsam woolly adelgid (BWA) interior quarantine

What You Need to Do

• Complete and return the following by July 31, 2026:
  • Compliance Agreement – this is an agreement with MDARD that states you will fulfill the following grower’s responsibilities:
    • Trees are only shipped to areas that you’ve notified MDARD about.
    • Trees are free of all spongy moth life stages. You must inspect for egg masses, notify MDARD if any are found, and ensure they are removed before shipment.
    • All required regulatory insecticide treatments occur (maximum labeled rate; see approved products list).
    • Certified products are covered when transported through infested areas.
    • Shipment records are maintained for 36 months and treatment records for 12 months.
  • Cut Christmas Tree Field Inspection Application (one application per field)

Tips on Filling Out Your Application Form

• Provide accurate GPS coordinates to avoid delays.
• Mark if shipping to California, Montana, Hawaii, or Wisconsin.
• Mark if you will be digging nursery stock out of the same field.
• Include pesticide treatment records (dates, rates, product name, and EPA Reg. No.).
• Submit early. Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.

Send completed forms to MDARD-NurseryCE@Michigan.gov.

Inspection Timeline & Results

• Field inspections begin as early as August 15, after spongy moth egg-laying is complete.
• If you pass inspection, you will receive a Certificate of Quarantine Compliance (CQC) by email (or mail upon request).
• If you fail inspection, you will receive a restriction notice. Restricted fields cannot move out of the spongy moth quarantine area.
• Inspection fees: 75 dollars per hour plus 44 cents per mile.

Key Pests to Watch For:

• Spongy moth (Lymantria dispar)
• Balsam Woolly Adelgid (BWA)
• Elongate Hemlock Scale (EHS)
• European Pine Shoot Moth
• Spotted lanternfly (SLF)

If you see anything concerning, contact your inspector.

Important Reminders

• Co‑mingling trees from other sources/states without clear documentation may result in load rejection. Discuss your plans with MDARD ahead of time.
• MDARD does not certify cut Christmas trees for non‑regulated pests (e.g., pine shoot moth, adelgids, scales, etc.). However, receiving states may still reject infested shipments. Scout your fields and apply integrated pest management.
• MDARD sends all inspection and certification correspondence via email unless you specifically request information by mail.
• Didn’t receive or need replacement certificates of quarantine compliance (CQC)? Contact your district inspector, MDARD-NurseryCE@Michigan.gov, Meggin Umbarger (517‑290‑0077), or Amber Neils (517‑449‑0786)

Potted or Balled and Burlapped (B&B) Christmas Trees

Trees sold as potted trees or as B&B trees are considered “nursery stock” and must undergo an inspection regardless of their intended destination. Sellers of nursery stock are also required to be licensed with MDARD. See the MDARD nursery licensing website for additional information.

For additional information, see the Frequently Asked Questions for Certification for Christmas Trees