Is the Next Michigan State Christmas Tree in Your Yard? State Opens 2026 Search

It may seem too early to be thinking about Christmas (especially because we just finally started seeing warmer temperatures here in Michigan), but the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget is currently on the hunt for the state's 2026 Christmas tree.

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The best part is that the tree could be on your property.

Where Does the State of Michigan Find Its Official State Christmas Tree?

The short answer? Anywhere and everywhere (within the state of Michigan). Over the years, the state tree has been found on public land, in Michiganders' backyards, and more. Last year's state tree was found in Sault Ste. Marie.

How Does the State of Michigan Find Its Official State Christmas Tree?

Officials aren't just wandering around forests and yards in Michigan looking for the perfect tree. They don't really physically look at all. Instead, the State of Michigan asks those who think that they might have a tree that would be a good fit to nominate a tree. Nominations can be sent in via email or sent through the mail.

READ MORE: You Can Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Michigan and It's Totally Legal

If you'd like your tree to be considered, you're asked to provide your name, email address, telephone number, a photo of the tree, and information about the tree's size and location.

But before you do any of that, make sure that your tree fits the parameters of what the state is looking for in a state Christmas tree.

Criteria For Michigan's Official State Christmas Tree

In order to be considered, the following criteria must be met.

• Must be either a spruce or fir tree.
• Must be at least 60 feet tall.
• Must have a maximum crown of 24 feet.
• Must have a maximum trunk diameter of 30 inches.
• Must be easily accessible from a road.
• Must be able to be accessed with no interference from wires.
• Must be available to the state for free.

If you know of a tree that fits the criteria and you want to nominate it, you can email your name, a photo of the tree, phone number, and info about the location and size of the tree to ChristmasTree@michigan.org

If you prefer to go the old school physical mail route, you can send that same information through the mail to Christmas Tree Search, Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget, Building Operations Division, P.O. Box 30026, Lansing, MI, 48909.