60-foot spruce will serve as Michigan’s Christmas tree

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Michigan’s next official Christmas tree will be from the Lower Peninsula.

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget announced Wednesday that a 60-foot spruce from Eagle will be harvested and set up later this fall for the holiday season.

The tree was donated by Rich and Dorcas Albertson, who admitted it wasn’t an easy decision.

“The decision to donate our tree is bittersweet. It’s a beautiful tree and we love it. We have enjoyed it in our front yard for over 27 years, but it’s overgrowing its spot and encroaching on our driveway,” the couple said in a statement. “When we first moved in, we hung lights on the tree each Christmas before it got too big. It will be nice to see it adorned with lights one more time this holiday season.”

It is the second tree from Clinton County to earn the honor and the 14th from the Lower Peninsula. A Michigan tree has been harvested and placed at the Capitol every holiday season since 1987.

The tree will be cut down on Friday, Nov. 1 and take the 20-minute drive to Lansing, where it will be installed the next day.

The tree will be dressed by the city of Lansing’s forestry team ahead of the tree lighting ceremony, Silver Bells in the City , on Friday, Nov. 22.

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