Here's Where You Can Buy Or Cut Your Own Fresh Christmas Tree In MI

There are many farms and tree lots across the Detroit area for those who prefer a fresh-cut Christmas tree.

There are more than 16,000 Christmas tree farms in the United States, stretching over 292,050 acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Larger tree farms control about 75 percent of the supply, but if you’re interested in supporting a local business this holiday season, here are some places to chop or pick out a tree within driving distance of metro Detroit:

• Addison-Oaks Christmas Tree Farm, 355 Lake George Road, Oakland Township
• Blake Farms, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
• Broadview Christmas Tree Farm, 4380 N. Hickory Ridge Road, Highland
• Candy Cane Christmas Tree Farm, 4780 Seymour Lake Road, Oxford
• Hodgson Tree Farms, 5461 Whipple Lake Road, Clarkston
• Holtz Christmas Tree Plantation, 9381 Day Rd, Monroe
• Huron Christmas Tree Farm, 32120 King Road, New Boston
• Matthes Evergreen Farm, 13416 Lulu Road, Ida
• Middle Road Tree Farm, 4235 Middle Road, Highland
• Paul LaTorre's Christmas Tree Lot, 30728 John R Rd, Madison Heights
• Ryan’s Nursery, 7258 Jackman Road, Ida
• Urquhart’s Tree Farm, 10050 Jerusalem Road, Chelsea
• Westman’s Tree Farm, 8000 Chamberlin Road, Dexter

You can also cut your own tree for $5 at three Michigan national forests, including Huron-Manistee National Forest, Hiawatha National Forest and Ottawa National Forest.

Home improvement stores, such as Home Depot, Lowes and Menard's typically have fresh cut trees as well.

The Origin Of Christmas Trees

The origin of the Christmas tree can be traced to long before the advent of Christianity, according to History.com.

In ancient times, it was commonly believed the sun was a god. It appeared to be sick as daylight waned in the winter, but evergreens thriving during winter were a reminder that the sun would become strong again and lush greenery and warmth would return.

Evergreen trees were seen as a symbol of eternal life among ancient Egyptians, Hebrews and Chinese. Pagans throughout Europe used evergreens in their homes to represent fertility and new life.

Christmas trees were first used by devout Christians in Germany. The 16th century Protestant reformer Martin Luther is believed to have added lighted candles to trees. He was composing a sermon as he walked home on a winter evening and was struck by the sight of stars twinkling above the evergreens, and recreated the scene in a tree in his family’s main room.