The vast majority of Christmas trees displayed in homes across the United States are not harvested from wild forests but are instead the product of specialized, long-term agricultural operations. This farming industry is a significant part of the national economy, with growers selling hundreds of millions of dollars in cut trees annually. Cultivating evergreens specifically for the holiday season requires consistent care over many years, often representing a decade-long farming investment.
The Metrics of Christmas Tree Production
Determining which states grow the “most” Christmas trees depends heavily on the metric used to measure production, as agricultural census data provides multiple ways to rank the states. One primary method counts the sheer volume of trees harvested each year. Other measures focus on the total wholesale value of the trees sold or the total acreage dedicated to cultivation, which highlight the economic footprint of the industry. States may rank differently based on these factors, as a smaller number of high-value trees, like Noble and Fraser firs, can generate greater revenue than a larger volume of less expensive species. The most comprehensive understanding of state production requires looking at both the volume cut and the corresponding economic impact.
The Top Producing States
The Christmas tree supply chain is dominated by a handful of states, with the Pacific Northwest and the Appalachian region leading the nation. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the United States cut over 14.5 million Christmas trees. More than half of those trees originated from just two states: Oregon and North Carolina. Oregon is the volume leader, harvesting over 4.8 million trees, representing about one-third of the national total. North Carolina is the second-largest producer, with over 3.2 million trees cut in 2022, securing its position as a major supplier in the eastern half of the country. Other states making notable contributions include Michigan (nearly 1.8 million trees), Washington, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, establishing the Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes regions as major hubs for the crop.
Key Geographic Factors for Leading Production
The dominance of states like Oregon and North Carolina is due to their unique geographical and climatic conditions, which suit the growth requirements of high-quality firs. These trees thrive in cool, moist climates that minimize heat stress, especially during the summer months. The Pacific Northwest, with its mild, wet winters and moderate summers, provides an ideal environment for conifer species. Similarly, the mountainous terrain of Western North Carolina, specifically the high elevations in the Blue Ridge Mountains, supplies the cool temperatures and well-drained, acidic soil that certain fir species need to flourish. Good air drainage on slopes is also beneficial, helping prevent late spring frosts from damaging the new growth on young trees.
Common Christmas Tree Species Grown
A wide variety of conifer species are grown commercially, but only a few dominate the market due to their desirable shape, aroma, and needle retention. The Fraser Fir is consistently one of the most popular species in the country, prized for its excellent needle retention, pleasant scent, and sturdy branches that easily support heavy ornaments. This species is the primary crop in North Carolina, where it thrives in the mountainous climate. The Douglas Fir and the Noble Fir are the most commonly grown species in Oregon. Douglas firs are known for their sweet fragrance and are the most popular Christmas tree on the West Coast. The Noble Fir is valued for its stiff branches and superior longevity after cutting. Most commercial Christmas trees require an average growth cycle of seven to twelve years to reach a standard height of six to seven feet before harvest.