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 most recent Census of Agriculture data. These numbers are down sharply over the past two decades, as there were 22,000 Christmas tree farms back in 2002. The same data shows that total Christmas tree production by acreage in the US has also been shrinking steadily since 2002, down over -150,000 acres.
Although Christmas tree farms dot the entire country, more than half the trees cut each Christmas season are typically grown in just two states – Oregon and North Carolina, which together produce more Christmas trees than the other 48 states combined.
As for the ongoing debate between a real Christmas tree or an artificial one, there’s not much to debate… Our family has always loved the real trees (and that’s what we get), but the latest data shows about 80% of all U.S. residents who put up a Christmas tree this year will use a fake one, according to the American Christmas Tree Association.
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 farms as sustainable crops.
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 (which is cost-effective in and of itself), their production involves non-renewable materials like PVC and energy-intensive manufacturing processes. Plus, most artificial trees are imported! Personally, I like the “Grown in the USA” tag that you can only find on the real trees:)
Interesting Christmas Tree Folklore and History from The American Christmas Tree Association:
1510, the first decorated Christmas Tree was in Riga, Latvia. Early Christmas Trees are decorated with paper, fruits, and sweets.
1531, the first retail Christmas Tree lots were started in German cities.
1600’s, Christmas Trees were decorated with ribbon, tin shapes, small books, and lace, as well as food.
1777, the tradition of the Christmas Tree was brought to Colonial America by Hessian troops fighting for Britain in the Revolutionary War.
1804, U.S. soldiers stationed at Fort Dearborn (now Chicago) brought evergreen trees into their barracks at Christmas.
1842, Charles Minnegrode introduced 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, brought 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 started 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)
