Michigan Christmas Tree Association

Celebrate with a Fresh Christmas Tree

Choosing the right Christmas tree
Michigan farms and tree lots offer an array of great Christmas tree choices. Whether you look for a pre-cut tree at a local tree lot or bundle up the family for the choose-and-cut experience, you will find a wide variety of tree types that offer something for everyone. To help you pick the perfect tree, Michigan State University Extension has developed a description of the main types of trees grown in Michigan.

Tips for success with your first real Christmas tree
The scent of a real Christmas tree in the house, the allure of a family outing to select a real tree and the appeal of buying local are among the reasons people buy real Christmas trees. For some, especially people who grew up in households with an artificial tree, buying and setting up a real tree may seem like daunting task. With a little planning, however, having a real tree can add a fun and enjoyable family experience to the holidays.

Water is the essential ingredient in keeping your real Christmas tree fresh
Before you set up your tree, make a fresh, straight cut across the base of the tree, removing a half-inch or more from the bottom. Why do we want to make a fresh cut? After the tree is harvested, resin begins to collect in the tree’s ducts, sealing off water-conducting tissue. Making a fresh cut removes the blocked resin and allows water to move into the trunk and eventually evaporating (transpire) from the foliage.