As the holiday season approaches, many Michigan families are gearing up to select the perfect Christmas tree — a tradition made possible by the state’s 500 Christmas tree farms spanning 37,000 acres.

Michigan ranks third in the nation for Christmas tree production, a vibrant industry contributing an estimated $45 million annually to the state’s economy. According to Amy Start, director of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association (MCTA), this industry keeps holiday spending close to home.

“That money stays in Michigan, supporting local communities and rural economies,” she said.

The MCTA, a 75-year-old organization, plays a key role in promoting the sustainability and community values that local Christmas tree farms embody.

One such farm is Hillside Christmas Tree Farm, a family-owned “choose-and-cut” farm located in Manchester. Owner Tony Stefani, a third-generation tree farmer who took over the family farm in 2012, recalls that his grandparents, immigrants from Italy, originally established the farm on 150 acres in Red City. His father moved the farm to its current location in 1983. Since then, the farm has become a beloved holiday destination for families in the area bounded by Ann Arbor, Jackson, Chelsea and Adrian.

For Stefani, Christmas tree farming is a year-round commitment. From spring planting to controlling weeds and pruning, much of the farm’s activity happens well before families arrive to pick their trees.

“It’s a lot more work than people realize,” Stefani said, explaining that many tree farm owners juggle this demanding seasonal business with other full-time jobs. The long timeline for tree cultivation, which takes seven to 10 years to bring a tree to maturity, poses a particular challenge.

“You’re trying to plan ahead to market and grow something that takes years,” he explained. “How do you know what will be popular when they’re finally ready? What people will buy 10 years later depends on many factors, including the economy.”

Hillside Christmas Tree Farm is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends, offering families not just trees, but also an immersive holiday experience. Visitors can enjoy wagon rides, warm up with hot chocolate in the cozy Christmas barn, and take photos at a North Pole-themed photo station. There’s also a special area called the “Tot Lot” for children, featuring short, 3- to 4-foot trees that little ones can select for their own rooms, adding to the holiday magic.

The MCTA has observed a growing trend of families seeking trees earlier in the season, a shift in tradition that led Hillside to open a week before Thanksgiving for the second consecutive year.

“A lot of families have college kids coming home or extended family visiting, so people want their tree earlier,” Stefani said. “With that, having a tree that lasts longer is important.”

Michigan tree farms have adapted to these demands by focusing on species like Fraser and Concolor fir, known for their longevity, strength and vibrant green colors. Because of their sturdy branches, these trees are also ideal for accommodating a trend toward heavy or multiple ornaments.

This demand for early, resilient trees is just one example of how Michigan’s Christmas tree industry continues to adapt. Start noted that while Scotch pine was once the tree of choice in the 1980s, taller trees like the Fraser fir are now more popular, especially as home designs shift toward higher ceilings.

“A 5- to 6-foot tree was popular, but now, with taller ceilings in homes, a 9-foot tree isn’t unusual,” she said.

Additionally, many families are now decorating multiple trees, with a traditional tree in one room and a themed tree in another. This trend reflects how Christmas celebrations evolve to include diverse decorations and more family-oriented activities.

Environmental stewardship is also at the heart of Michigan’s Christmas tree farming.

“One of the advantages of real trees is that they’re recyclable and compostable,” Stefani said. He added that Michigan’s unique climate challenges growers to select tree species suited to the region carefully. For example, an unexpected warm-up in February can prematurely trigger growth in the trees, which can then be damaged when the temperature inevitably drops again.

The MCTA works closely with Michigan farms to ensure sustainable practices through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). This voluntary certification program helps tree farmers protect local water systems by reducing erosion and runoff.

“Farmers who earn MAEAP recognition receive a sign to display on their farm, showing they are top stewards in their communities,” Start said. MAEAP certification not only protects the local environment, but also strengthens community ties by encouraging eco-conscious farming methods, officials said.

For families visiting Michigan’s Christmas tree farms, the experience extends beyond the tree itself. Many farms offer “agritainment” activities, like Santa visits, craft workshops and gift shops stocked with unique holiday items.

Start emphasized that these offerings have only grown more popular since the COVID-19 pandemic, when outdoor experiences became essential for families.

“It’s a whole day-long experience,” she said. “A lot of people come for the Santa visit, and it’s expanded from just buying a tree.”

Selecting a tree is often as much about creating lasting memories as it is about finding the perfect tree. Stefani shared one particularly touching story about a family who wanted to recreate a holiday moment for their very ill dog.

“Their dog loved to lay under the tree, and they wanted to give him that experience one more time,” Stefani said. “So we went out and cut a tree for them in July.” For Stefani, moments like these make all the hard work worth it.

The MCTA offers a host of resources to help families choose the right tree, from measuring tips to tree care advice.

Start recommends planning ahead to avoid the “Chevy Chase moment” — a reminder to measure your space before picking out a tree that may look smaller outdoors than it will in the living room.

For anyone looking to support Michigan’s local economy and keep holiday traditions alive, there’s no shortage of Christmas tree farms to explore across the state. With every tree harvested, Michigan farmers plant three more, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this time-honored tradition.

As Start said, “A real Christmas tree is more than just a holiday decoration — it’s an experience, a commitment to sustainability, and a reminder of the memories we create during this special time of year.”

To find a choose-and-cut farm near you, the MCTA provides a map at mcta.org/choose-cut-farms-map. For those looking to buy from a tree lot, a directory is available at mcta.org/retail-lots-directory.