© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Michigan's Christmas tree industry competitive, always changing

Flickr - gerrybuckel

There’s nothing quite like the scent of a freshly cut Douglas fir to put you in the Christmas spirit. Strapping one to the top of your car and taking it home to string with lights and homemade ornaments is a holiday tradition for a lot of families. But Christmas trees aren’t just a place to put the presents under. They’re also a multi-million dollar industry.While you’ll probably forget about your tree in a couple of weeks after tossing it to the curb, for the people in Michigan’s Christmas tree industry, the holiday season is a year-round affair.

Current State discusses the logistics and economics behind a beloved holiday tradition with Marsha Gray, Executive Director of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association, and Bert Cregg, associate professor in the Horticulture and Forestry departments at Michigan State University.

Related Content
Every WKAR News story you read is rooted in fact-based, local journalism, produced without commercial influence and available for free to everyone in mid-Michigan. No paywalls. Ever.

But this work doesn’t fund itself. With significant cuts to federal funding, public media is facing a critical moment. If you believe in journalism that serves the public interest, now is the time to act. Donate today.