Each year as the holiday season approaches, families across the United States face the time-honored question: should they choose a real or artificial Christmas tree? With less than a month until Christmas, the deadline to make this decision is quickly approaching. Recent surveys indicate many Americans still lean toward artificial trees. Specifically, according to the American Christmas Tree Association, 94% of respondents reported they use artificial trees, yet there is a growing trend toward real trees.
The Christmas tree industry is not just about the trees themselves; it's also deeply tied to local economies. Each year, millions of fragrant firs, spruces, and pines are cut down during the lead-up to Christmas — about 14.5 million trees were harvested last year alone. With the busy holiday season, tree-hunting becomes more than just picking out decorations; it’s like a treasure hunt where families bond over finding the perfect tree.
Gone are the days when families also considered the environmental aspect of their choices. A shift toward natural trees has sparked interest and awareness of how they contribute positively to the ecosystem. Andy Finton, a forest ecologist for The Nature Conservancy, stressed the importance of real trees as they help clean the air, provide wildlife habitat, and contribute to soil health. He shared, “Christmas tree farms plant one to three seeds for each tree they cut down,” highlighting their commitment to sustainability. This means for every tree harvested, there are opportunities for new trees to grow, allowing families the pleasure of choosing natural over synthetic.
Yet, just as the demand for real trees is increasing, the climate crisis poses significant challenges for the industry. The year 2023 stands to be one of the warmest on record, and prolonged drought across many states is wreaking havoc on Christmas tree farms. This year, reports suggest farmers, especially those in the Northeast and New England, have suffered substantial losses — some experiencing losses of 20% of their seedlings.
Jill Sidebottom, representative of the National Christmas Tree Association, expressed concern when she noted, “Some growers have complained they’ve had greater death of their seedlings than normal. Of course, you don’t expect every tree you set to survive, but some growers have lost their entire crop.” These challenges come amid reports of unsatisfactory rainfall causing significant production setbacks across tree farms already grappling with increased industry demand.
Consumers can expect market effects due to these farmers' struggles; prices are likely to rise. There’s already evidence of increasing costs tied to supply chain pressures and overplanting issues from more than ten years ago, leading to significant price fluctuations as consumers prepare for this year’s festivities. It’s not just the farmers who feel the effects; consumers will notice this increase, making it more important than ever to shop wisely.
Diving deep, it's also important to understand how climate conditions impact trees’ overall performance post-purchase. Most conifers require consistent temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to kickstart their dormant stages. To put it simply, Christmas trees staying fresh involves carefully balancing climate variables, and this year has already established warm trends earlier than usual for this time of year. Sidebottom reiterated, “That’s really kind of the worst problem with our industry now, is people wanting trees so early, shipping trees so early,” which can heavily impact needle retention and general longevity when displayed at home.
While many families relish the tradition of picking fresh trees, there needs to be awareness of the environments from which these trees come. Drought conditions can devastate smaller and younger trees, causing potential shortages down the line. Regionally, the effects have been uneven; the Pacific Northwest saw issues keeping with demand after several years of significant crop loss linked to drought conditions. On the other hand, mature trees tend not to suffer immediate effects, making it still easier for families searching for sizeable, ready-for-market options.
The holiday season brings traditional decorating, and artificial trees certainly have their charm as well. Largely favored over recent years for their convenience, these options are often seen as low maintenance. They’re easy to store and can be reused for years, making them appealing for families who relish the thought of convenience over tradition. Another consideration is the simplicity of not needing to vacuum up fallen needles or potentially worrying about tree disposal after the holidays.
Despite this convenience, environmental discussions still posit whether artificial trees are as eco-friendly as one might think. Many consumers might believe they’re making greener choices when opting for artificial trees; researchers note synthetic trees often come with concerning environmental impacts related to their production and eventual disposal. Unlike natural trees, artificial ones aren’t biodegradable and can end up sitting in landfills for decades.
Considering both sides, the choice between real and fake trees has led many families to rethink their routines. Conversations surrounding the holiday season tend to circle back to sustainability and eco-conscious decisions. For example, reputable tree farms often use environmentally friendly harvesting methods to minimize the overall impact on their land.
Experts predict the coming years will continue to reveal more insights on the benefits and downsides of both types of trees. Finton noted, “It’s not unusual to have problems with dry conditions. And, of course, people are concerned about global warming, which can create more wet conditions because as the seas warm up, the atmosphere can hold more moisture. But it can also create more pockets of drought.”
It seems the festive spirit brings along challenges and questions; families are urged to be thoughtful about their choices this holiday season. With the climate challenges at the forefront, more people are turning to local tree farms to support their community and choose sustainable options where possible. Christmas tree farming is slowly moving toward enhancing sustainability, even as extreme weather presents growing hurdles to overcome.
Holiday shopping is just around the corner, and consumers’ preferences will shape what we see on tree lots this year. Will families continue to embrace real trees as the market fluctuates? Will the draw of convenience with artificial trees lure more viewers? Whatever the case, the answers revealed during this holiday season will certainly set the tone for the future of Christmas tree selection for years to come.