Charted: The Christmas Tree Market in the U.S.

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Infographic showing the 2023 U.S. Christmas tree market by breed and state production, highlighting Fraser and Douglas Firs

Charted: The Christmas Tree Market in the U.S.

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  • Real Christmas trees still make up a $2 billion market in the U.S., despite competition from artificial trees.
  • The Fraser Fir dominates sales with 35% market share, followed by Douglas and Noble Firs.
  • Oregon leads U.S. production, and Canada plays a key role in filling seasonal shortfalls.
  • Each December, millions of Americans venture out to find the perfect Christmas tree, and for a large portion of them, nothing beats a real evergreen. Despite rising demand for artificial trees, the real Christmas tree market in the U.S. remains vibrant, with 21.6 million trees sold in 2023 alone, according to data compiled by USDA’s Ag Census and industry groups.

    This visualization by Made Visual Daily breaks down the U.S. market by tree breed and regional production, using datasourced from the USDA and the National Christmas Tree Association.

    The Fraser Fir leads all other varieties, accounting for 35% of the market thanks to its excellent needle retention and sturdy branches—ideal for holding ornaments. The Douglas Fir and Noble Fir follow with 27% and 17% market share respectively.

    StateShare of U.S. Christmas Tree Production
    Oregon31.9%
    North Carolina21.3%
    Michigan11.9%
    Washington6.2%
    Pennsylvania4.8%
    Other States23.9%

    On the production side, Oregon supplies nearly a third of all U.S. trees, followed by North Carolina, Michigan, and Washington.

    Real vs. Artificial: A Shifting Holiday Tradition

    While over 21 million real trees were sold in 2023, that’s down significantly from past decades. In the 1990s, Americans were buying upwards of 35 million real trees annually. Today, many households are opting for reusable artificial trees due to convenience, cost, or concerns over sustainability.

    Despite the slow decline, there are an estimated 350 million Christmas trees currently growing on U.S. farms.

    Imports and Supply Chain Realities

    Even with robust domestic production, the U.S. often turns to Canada to make up for supply gaps—especially in years when droughts or wildfires affect yields in Oregon or North Carolina. Canadian tree farms, particularly in Quebec and Nova Scotia, are key players in the North American market.

    While prices have risen slightly due to inflation and logistical challenges, supply has remained stable. Tree shortages feared during the pandemic have largely abated, though growers continue to manage tighter inventories to avoid oversupply.

    Where Your Decorations Come From

    Christmas trees are just one part of a complex global supply chain behind the holidays. From lights to ornaments, much of what decorates American homes is produced overseas. For more on this, see our article: Where Do Your Christmas Decorations Come From?

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    This article was published as a part of Visual Capitalist's Creator Program, which features data-driven visuals from some of our favorite Creators around the world.