MONTCALM COUNTY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — For the first time in four decades, a Michigan-grown Christmas tree is headed to the White House.
The honor goes to Korson’s Tree Farms in Montcalm County’s Sidney Township, chosen as the 2025 Grand Champion Grower after winning the National Christmas Tree Association’s top contest this summer. Their prize: supplying the official White House Christmas tree. It’s only the third time in history a Michigan farm has earned the distinction.
The 25-foot concolor fir, harvested this week and known for its citrus-like scent, will be delivered on Monday, Nov. 24, with Rex and Jessica Korson joining First Lady Melania Trump for its arrival.
The farm is also furnishing a smaller tree for the Oval Office, along with two more destined for the governor’s residence in Lansing.
The Korsons, who have raised Christmas trees on their farm since 1973, said the selection capped months of preparation. “After winning the contest … your focus shifts to finding a tree large enough to fit the standard for … the White House,” Rex told WOOD-TV.
Michigan has held this honor just twice before: once under President Gerald Ford in 1974 and again during Ronald Reagan’s term in 1985.