The business of Christmas tree farming is like any other crop production operation, in that the opportunity to turn a profit revolves around a once-a-year harvest. Christmas tree farming carries some unique risks, too, not least of which is the seven to fifteen years between planting and maturity, an investment that can be wiped out in an instant by drought, fire, disease, and a host of other threats. Despite the number of U.S. Christmas tree operations modestly increasing in recent years, the total number of cut trees and the acreage they cover continues to shrink.
Christmas trees are grown commercially on farms in all 50 States on approximately 16,600 U.S. tree farms, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the most recent data available. That’s an increase from a little over 15,000 tree farms in 2017 but down sharply over the past two decades – Christmas tree farms in 2002 totaled nearly 22,000.
The same data shows Christmas tree production acreage in the U.S. has been shrinking steadily since 2002 as well. Total acreage in 2022 was a little over 292,000, down from 295,162 in 2017 and nearly 447,000 acres in 2002.
U.S. producers cut more than 14.5 million Christmas trees in 2022, a figure that has also been on a steady decline for at least two decades now. Farmers cut nearly 15.1 million trees in 2017, versus just over 17 million in both 2012 and 2007, and nearly 21 million in 2002. Some of the decline in 2022 from 2017 is blamed on prolonged drought affecting many key production regions.
USDA notes that lower production in 2022 was offset with higher value of sales. U.S. growers sold $553 million in cut Christmas trees compared with $377 million in 2017. The U.S. also imported more than 3 million Christmas trees in 2022.
Although Christmas tree farms dot the entire country, more than half the trees cut in 2022 were grown in just two states – Oregon (4.82 million) and North Carolina (3.21 million), which together produced more Christmas trees than the other 48 states combined.
As for the ongoing debate between a real Christmas tree or an artificial one, Americans remain divided. Residents of 32 states, including Vermont, Colorado, and Michigan, prefer real Christmas trees, while 18 states, such as California, Florida, and Texas, lean toward fake trees.
According to The Nature Conservancy, real Christmas trees are undoubtedly better for the environment as they help fight climate change and support forests. Best of all, buying a real tree supports real U.S. farmers – 98% of all real Christmas trees used each year are grown on U.S. farms.
Artificial trees have skyrocketed in popularity over the years, especially in urban and suburban areas. They offer convenience, durability, and a mess-free alternative to real trees. That said, the environmental impact of artificial trees is a mixed bag. While they can be reused for many years, making them cost-effective, their production involves non-renewable materials like PVC and energy-intensive manufacturing processes. Plus, most artificial trees are imported.
Interesting Christmas Tree Folklore and History from The American Christmas Tree Association:
1510, the first decorated Christmas Tree is in Riga, Latvia. Early Christmas Trees are decorated with paper, fruits and sweets.
1531, the first retail Christmas Tree lots are started in German cities.
1600’s, Christmas Trees are decorated with ribbon, tin shapes, small books and lace as well as food.
1777, the tradition of the Christmas Tree is brought to Colonial America by Hessian troops fighting for Britain in the Revolution War.
1804, U.S. soldiers stationed at Fort Dearborn (now Chicago) bring evergreen trees into their barracks at Christmas.
1842, Charles Minnegrode introduces the custom of a decorated Christmas Tree in Williamsburg, Va.
1851, Mark Carr opened a retail Christmas Tree lot in New York City, the first in the United States.
1856, Franklin Pierce, our 14th President, brings the first Christmas Tree into the White House.
1923, President Calvin Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, now held every year on the Ellipse between the White House and the Washington Monument.
1966, members of the National Christmas Tree Association start the tradition of presenting a Real Christmas Tree each year to the First Lady for display in the Blue Room of the White House. (Sources: USDA, American Christmas Tree Association)
