Letter to the editor: Original flag misrepresents Maine state tree Officially adopting this banner means we’d have to be known as the ‘Spruce Tree State,’ says a past Maine Arborist Association president. Share I am compelled to write regarding the debate over our state flag. I personally don’t see the need to change it; however, if the option to the present flag is to institute the so-called “original” flag, I must object. The original flag, now being promoted, represents a depiction of a tree and a star. This is the Pine Tree State, unless I’m mistaken. As a past president and director of the Maine Arborist Association, I can assure you that this is not even close to an accurate representation of a white pine or any pine, for that matter. If this flag is adopted, we will need to be known as the “Spruce Tree State.” Just because something is historical doesn’t make it correct.