A 17-foot balsam fir from Turck’s Trees in Litchfield, Minnesota, has been designated as the official Capitol Christmas tree for 2025. The tree, celebrated for its rich green needles and conical shape, was delivered to the State Capitol earlier this week and is set to be decorated on Monday.
The honor of providing this year’s Capitol Christmas tree comes on the heels of Turck’s Trees winning the grand champion title at the Minnesota State Fair earlier this year. This marks a significant milestone for the farm, as it is the first time it has been selected for this traditional role, according to a news release from Turck’s Trees.
Tree Details and Family Legacy
The balsam fir, a species native to eastern and central Canada as well as the northeastern United States, is noted for its fragrance and excellent needle retention after being cut. Turck’s Trees highlights that it is regarded as the most aromatic of all Christmas tree varieties.
This family-run farm has been in the Turck family since 1875. The family began cultivating Christmas trees in 1981 and has over 35 years of experience in the industry. Today, the farm spans approximately 100 acres, featuring a diverse range of Christmas and landscape trees. Joan and Steve Turck oversee the farm, and multiple generations of the family work together to ensure its success.
Competitive Selection Process
Turck’s Trees was chosen from over 120 entries submitted by members of the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association. In addition to this recognition, the farm was awarded the reserve grand champion title at the Minnesota State Fair in 2024 and provided trees to the Governor’s Residence in St. Paul.
The Capitol Christmas tree will be on public display beyond the Christmas season, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty and the tradition it represents. The delivery and decoration of the tree signify not only the agricultural excellence of Minnesota but also the enduring legacy of family-run businesses in the region.
As the decorations are prepared, the community looks forward to celebrating the spirit of the season, symbolized by this remarkable tree from Turck’s Trees.
