How the real tree industry supports farmers and faces rising pressures
Real Christmas trees are an important specialty crop that takes a long time to grow. A typical tree needs seven to ten years to reach the size most families buy during the holiday season. This long production cycle means farmers must deal with many years of weather risks, pests, diseases, and labor needs before a tree is ready for harvest.
Christmas tree farming is concentrated in states with the right climate and soil conditions. Only about 10,000 farms harvested trees in 2022, producing around 14.5 million trees. These farms also help protect almost 300,000 acres of open space. Real trees support the environment by absorbing carbon, protecting soil, and creating wildlife habitats.
However, the industry faces major challenges. Artificial trees, mostly imported from China, now make up 85% to 95% of all artificial tree sales in the US. These products replace demand for real trees and support very few domestic jobs. Import values have grown to more than $500 million, creating strong competition for real tree growers. As one grower explained, “Artificial trees take years of real-tree demand from farmers.”
Farmers also face extreme weather, such as heat waves, heavy rainfall, and changing winter temperatures. These conditions increase disease pressure and allow more insects to survive. Labor shortages and rising land costs add even more difficulty.
Because Christmas trees grow slowly, losses caused by weather or pests can erase a decade of work. Insurance options are limited, and programs such as the Tree Assistance Program help only with partial costs.
Supporting real Christmas trees helps protect local farms, rural jobs, and open landscapes. Choosing a real tree is a simple way to support the long-term future of the industry.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nathaniel-young