Real Christmas Trees Selling Early At High Rates Across U.S.

LITTLETON, CO — Christmas tree farms across the nation are selling trees earlier and in higher quantities amid the pandemic, according to the National Christmas Tree Association, which is based in Littleton, Colorado.

As the stress and isolation continues for many people amid the pandemic, some are "turning to an old-fashioned and traditional Christmas experience to simply feel better," said Doug Hundley, a spokesperson for the association.

One woman went to buy a tree Nov. 1 from a 'choose and cut' farmer, who warned her that the tree may not last until Christmas Day, Hundley said. Her reply?

"I don't care, I need some happiness now!"

Many tree sales began on the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day, and tree farms have continued to see high sales since then, Hundley said.

The National Christmas Tree Association is encouraging families to support local farmers by purchasing real trees this holiday season. Pumpkin patches and orchards saw a record number of visitors this fall as families sought safe, outdoor activities amid the pandemic, and tree farmers are hoping for the same high turnout, the association said.

"Why a real Christmas tree? They are a product of nature grown on farms," the association said in a statement.

"After Christmas is over, they are fully recyclable and biodegradable. Whereas, artificial trees have three times the impact on climate change and resource depletion than real trees. After they are thrown away, artificial trees sit in landfills for years. While they are growing, real Christmas trees convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, reduce erosion and provide habitat for many animals."

Because real Christmas trees are a crop grown by farmers, after a tree is cut down, a new one is planted in its place to be harvested the next year.

The National Christmas Tree Association is a national trade organization that represents the country's farm-grown Christmas tree industry. The association represents hundreds of member farms, 38 state and regional associations and more than 4,000 affiliated businesses that grow and sell Christmas trees or provide related supplies and services.