Know of an oversized spruce or fir that could grace the state Capitol this Christmas? The state wants to hear about it.

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget has once again asked for the public’s help in finding the perfect tree for display in Lansing.

Over the past 40 years, trees have come from locations across the state – from backyards to public land near highways and forests, the DTMB states in a news release.

More than two dozen have been from the Upper Peninsula, including last year’s 68-foot spruce that was donated by Linda Ried of Sault Ste. Marie in memory of her grandparents. In 2021 the tree was harvested in Gogebic County and in 2019 a 61-foot blue spruce donated by Jordan and Sarah Wolfenberg and their family was chosen in Iron Mountain.

“It may feel way too early to be talking about the holiday season, but with warmer weather quickly approaching and before the trees fully leaf out, now the ideal time for Michiganders to spot the perfect tree,” DTMB Acting Director Kyle Guerrant said in a news release. “Selecting the state Christmas tree is one of our team’s favorite projects each year, and we always look forward to the lighting during the Silver Bells in the City event.”

To be considered, trees must meet these criteria —

— Type: Spruce or fir;

— Size: At least 60 feet tall, with a maximum crown of 24 feet and maximum trunk diameter of 30 inches;

— Access: Easy access to the road, with no interference from wires; and

— Cost: Available at no cost.

Each year, DTMB works with the Michigan Association of Timbermen and the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association to bring the tree to Lansing in late October. The journey will culminate with a tree-lighting ceremony Friday, Nov. 20, at the 42nd-annual Silver Bells in the City celebration in downtown Lansing.

Deadline for tree nominations is Monday, Aug. 17. Individuals who would like to nominate a tree are asked to email their name, telephone number, a photograph of the tree, and information about its size and location to ChristmasTree@michigan.gov. Tree nominations can also be mailed to this address:

Christmas Tree Search

Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget

Building Operations Division

P.O. Box 30026

Lansing, MI 48909