Buzz
If you purchased the trending Home Depot Christmas tree this year, you’re among the 77 percent of Americans who prefer artificial trees over real ones. However, millions will still visit farms, parking lots, or even national forests to select a fresh tree, transport it home, and showcase it with pride. While every state contributes to Christmas tree production, the quantities vary significantly.
Where are most Christmas trees sourced from?
Christmas trees are typically grown on specialized farms rather than being harvested directly from forests, contrary to popular belief. Farmers dedicate eight to 10 years to nurturing trees to their ideal size, with sales peaking between Thanksgiving and Christmas. These trees are often cultivated on marginal land, which isn’t suitable for other profitable crops.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census [PDF], here are the leading 15 states for Christmas tree production as of 2022:
Ranking | State | Number of Christmas Trees Cut |
|---|---|---|
1. | Oregon | 4,823,877 |
2. | North Carolina | 3,208,419 |
3. | Michigan | 1,799,391 |
4. | Washington | 936,904 |
5. | Pennsylvania | 721,480 |
6. | Wisconsin | 601,199 |
7. | Virginia | 578,777 |
8. | New York | 318,745 |
9. | Ohio | 189,240 |
10. | Minnesota | 153,600 |
11. | California | 130,730 |
12. | Vermont | 127,121 |
13. | Maine | 94,425 |
14. | Connecticut | 88,893 |
15. | New Hampshire | 79,323 |
Oregon dominates the Christmas tree industry, with its production valued at $110 million, ranking it as the state’s 14th most valuable agricultural product. North Carolina follows closely behind. Despite their geographical differences, both states benefit from mountainous climates, ideal for cultivating these trees.
Various types of Christmas trees are grown across the U.S. On the East Coast, the balsam fir is prevalent, identifiable by the resin blisters on its bark. (North Carolina is famous for its Fraser fir.) On the West Coast, the Douglas-fir, known for its pleasant fragrance, is more common. In the Pacific Northwest, which produces one-third of the nation’s Christmas trees, the noble fir is a popular choice. These trees are perfect for early holiday enthusiasts, as they retain their needles for an extended period.
A Brief History of Christmas Trees in the United States
As reported by Time, Christmas trees date back to the 15th century. The first U.S. Christmas tree market emerged in New York City in 1851, with many trees sourced from New England. Canada also played a significant role, supplying 25 percent of America’s Christmas trees by the mid-20th century.
New Jersey, which doesn’t rank among today’s top 15 states, is credited with pioneering cut-your-own Christmas tree farms. In 1901, farmer W.V. McGalliard planted 25,000 trees, allowed them to grow for seven years, and later sold them for one dollar each.
In the early 20th century, Christmas tree farms were abundant, though many served dual purposes throughout the year. By 1912, Americans were cutting down five million trees annually, with one in four households showcasing a Christmas tree. The industry continued to flourish from there.
By 1948, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that 28 million Christmas trees were harvested from 100,000 acres nationwide. Pennsylvania alone accounted for 40,000 of those acres. North Carolina entered the Christmas tree market in the late 1950s, while Oregon gained prominence in the 1970s by perfecting the cultivation of fragrant Douglas-firs. However, the rise of artificial trees during this period began to overshadow natural tree sales.
Whether real or artificial, a beautifully adorned tree remains a central element of Christmas celebrations across the nation. Choosing a natural fir? Learning about its origin and species can provide insight into what you’ve brought into your home and how best to care for it.
