Federal and State Quarantines

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has implemented the Federal Spongy Moth Quarantine to limit the spread of this invasive pest. Since Michigan has confirmed spongy moth populations in every county, the entire state lies within the area regulated under the quarantine and all plant material, including cut Christmas trees and other seasonal forest products shipped from within Michigan to areas outside of the quarantine zone must be inspected and have proper certification before transport. 

USDA Spongy Moth Quarantine Map

In addition to the Federal Spongy Moth Quarantine, some states, including California, Hawaii, Montana and Wisconsin, have implemented additional quarantines that may apply to Christmas trees imported from Michigan. Contact MDARD-NurseryCE@michigan.gov or talk to your local inspector for more details.

Shipping Christmas Trees Within Regulated Areas

If cut Christmas trees or other seasonal forest products are intended for use within the regulated area, it is not necessary to have them inspected and certified for spongy moth or other pests unless subject to one of MDARD’s Plant Pest Quarantines. All of Michigan lies within the area regulated under the Federal Spongy Moth Quarantine.

Shipping Christmas Trees Outside Regulated Area

Cut Christmas trees shipped outside the regulated areas must be accompanied by a certificate issued by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) or the USDA. Each separate drop shipment, whether it is one tree, 10 trees, or a complete semi-trailer load must have its own separate shipment certificate. Certificates are issued only after the trees pass inspection by MDARD.

• Cut Christmas Tree Field Inspection Application Form

• Growers must complete a Cut Christmas Tree Field Inspection Application form and send it to MDARD-NurseryCE@Michigan.gov no later than July 31. Late submission may result in a delayed inspection.
• One form should be completed for each separate field. All trees included on one form will be treated as one field. If spongy moth egg masses are found, the entire field will be subject to restriction.

• Compliance Agreement for Cut Christmas Trees Form

• A compliance agreement must be signed and received with your cut Christmas tree field application.
• The compliance agreement allows firms operating under the agreement to be issued multiple certificates for their cut Christmas trees, provided the trees have passed inspection and other conditions have been met.
• Compliance Agreement for Cut Christmas Trees Form
• Download the form, fill it out and send it with their completed Cut Christmas Tree Field Inspection Application form to P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909 or email MDARD-NurseryCE@Michigan.gov.

• Bill of Sale 

• The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act MCL Section 324.52901 requires that a person must have in their possession a bill of sale or other evidence of title to cut, remove, or transport Christmas trees and evergreen boughs.

Inspection of cut Christmas trees will be charged at the current hourly and mileage rate. See the Explanation of Inspection Fees for additional information. 

Wreaths, Boughs, and Grave Blankets

Holiday greenery such as wreaths, garlands, and bulk boughs can harbor spongy moth egg masses and other regulatory pests. Firms manufacturing products from these branches should discuss the risk of spongy moth and other regulatory spread via their product with MDARD.  Contact MDARD-NurseryCE@michigan.gov for more information.

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.

Additional Resources

• USDA Regulated Area Map
• Regulatory Treatments (PDF)

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