By Andi Anderson
A family farm in west Michigan is preparing to send holiday cheer to the nation’s capital. Korson’s Tree Farm in Sidney has been selected to provide the official 2025 White House Christmas tree after winning the Grand Champion title at the National Tree contest earlier this year.
On a sunny Tuesday, Dale Haney, White House Superintendent of Grounds, toured the farm’s rows of evergreens to find the perfect tree for the Blue Room.
Haney admired the tree’s full shape and fragrant scent, finally choosing a striking concolor fir known for its citrus aroma and even branches. “Full. I like the smell; that helps a lot,” he said.
The chosen tree must stand exactly 18.5 feet tall so lights can connect to the ceiling outlet and look flawless from every angle. “We have half a million people come through the House at Christmastime, so it’s all seen,” Haney explained.
Owners Rex and Jessica Korson expressed pride in representing their small town on the national stage. “We’re just a teeny tiny little town and we’re going to represent in the White House. It’s an amazing honor,” Jessica said. The family plans to carefully trim the tree to size, with extra branches saved for wreaths.
The Korsons will travel to Washington, D.C., just before Thanksgiving to present the tree to the First Lady during the traditional horse-drawn wagon ceremony. “The tree gets put on a horse-drawn wagon and gets taken to the front of the White House and that’s when we’ll present the tree to Melania, so we’re really excited about it,” Rex said.
This marks the first time in 40 years, and only the third time ever, that a White House Christmas tree will come from Michigan—bringing national recognition to the family-run farm and highlighting Michigan’s proud Christmas tree industry.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nathaniel-young
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle