#USA #Holiday Season #Howell #Real Christmas Trees #Growers Survey

Fourth Annual Real Christmas Tree Growers Survey Insights

As the holiday season approaches, the Real Christmas Tree Board has released its fourth annual survey, providing valuable insights into the market for real Christmas trees. Conducted among 43 wholesale growers, the findings reflect a stable outlook for the upcoming holiday season, with steady demand, consistent supply, and largely unchanged wholesale prices.

Steady Prices and Strong Supply

According to the survey, an impressive 84% of wholesale growers do not plan to increase their wholesale prices this year, with some even indicating potential price reductions. While retail prices may vary, past consumer surveys have shown that a significant 90% of buyers felt the prices they paid for real Christmas trees were worth it. Marsha Gray, the Executive Director of the Real Christmas Tree Board, expressed optimism: "Growers are prepared, supply is strong, and most are holding wholesale prices steady this year. This reflects the consistency of the real Christmas tree industry and the commitment of growers to ensuring that there's a real Christmas tree for everyone who wants one."

Despite a modest increase in input costs—estimated at up to 5% by 42% of growers—these costs have mirrored past trends and are not expected to affect wholesale prices significantly. Growers seem to be absorbing these increases instead of passing them on to retailers, showcasing their commitment to affordability.

Confidence in Supply and Demand

Consumers can look forward to a reliable supply of Christmas trees, with a wide range of options available. Over the last several years, the industry has successfully avoided running out of trees, and this year appears no different. Nearly 79% of surveyed growers anticipate selling the same number or even more trees compared to last year, with 32% expecting to increase their sales this Christmas season. Additionally, 65% of respondents expect to sell all the trees they plan to harvest, reinforcing confidence in the market’s capacity to meet consumer needs.

Shopping for Christmas trees is also anticipated to be a breeze, with 91% of survey participants expressing they had no trouble finding a local location to purchase a tree during the previous holiday season. Remarkably, 89% stated they found the type of tree they desired at the first place they visited.

It's noteworthy that real Christmas trees are recognized as an agricultural commodity under the USMCA, meaning that trees produced in Canada currently enjoy tariff exemptions.

More Than Just Decor

Beyond their aesthetic value, real Christmas trees play a significant role in holiday traditions. Gray stated, "A real Christmas tree is so much more than a Christmas decoration. Our customers create lasting memories with family and friends while heading out to select their tree and enjoy the scent that will fill their home all season."

Methodology of the Survey

This survey was carried out in August 2025, in partnership with FleishmanHillard, covering a range of growers across various U.S. regions. The respondents represent approximately half to two-thirds of the total real Christmas trees sold in the United States. Additionally, a separate consumer survey conducted by TRUE Global Intelligence involved 1,500 adults, all of whom either celebrate Christmas or utilize Christmas trees in their homes, to gather insights on consumer purchasing behaviors.

The Real Christmas Tree Board has made it its mission to educate consumers on the benefits of fresh Christmas trees, showcasing their value through multiple platforms, including public relations efforts, while working to enhance service for both growers and consumers alike.

For more information about real Christmas trees and seasonal insights, visit RealChristmasTreeBoard.com and explore how the industry strives to bring joy to homes during the festive season.