Cut Christmas trees are considered regulated commodities under the federal Gypsy Moth Quarantine and/or the Pine Shoot Beetle Quarantine. Christmas trees shipped outside the regulated area must be inspected and must be accompanied by proper certification. All of Michigan lies within the area regulated under the two federal quarantines. Growers and shippers should consult USDA-generated maps and county lists to determine if their trees are in a regulated area. In addition to the two federal quarantines, states may have their own quarantines for other pests that may apply to Christmas trees imported from Michigan, especially to trees going to West Coast states.
If cut Christmas trees are intended for use within the regulated area, it is not necessary to have them inspected for gyspy moth and pine shoot beetle.