As Americans prepare to deck the halls this holiday season, a surprising trend is emerging: real Christmas trees are becoming more attractive than ever. At Dutchman Tree Farms in northern Michigan, over 1,500 workers are hard at work cutting and wrapping row after row of pines, with a goal of shipping out over 500,000 trees.
The reason behind the surge in demand for live, American-grown Christmas trees is tariffs on imported artificial ones. President Trump's introduction of tariffs earlier this year has sent prices skyrocketing, with some companies facing tariffs as high as 30%. This has forced Chris Butler, CEO of the National Tree Company, to pass along increased costs to consumers.
Butler notes that while his company sells a wide range of holiday products, artificial Christmas trees are still the clear favorite among Americans. In fact, an estimated 85% of consumers prefer fake trees over real ones. However, with prices rising due to tariffs, Butler is now lobbying lawmakers to push for relief and fair treatment for companies like his.
Meanwhile, families like the Pena's are flocking to local tree farms, driven by tradition and a desire for that authentic holiday scent. "The smell triggers those memories growing up," says David Pena, who handpicked an 8-foot-tall Fraser pine at Dutchman Tree Farms. For farmers like Scott Powell, it's not just about selling trees – it's about creating a sense of nostalgia and joy in their customers' homes.
As tariffs continue to affect the holiday season, one thing is clear: real Christmas trees are making a comeback. And for families looking to create lasting memories, that scent of pine and tradition may be just what they're looking for this year.
The reason behind the surge in demand for live, American-grown Christmas trees is tariffs on imported artificial ones. President Trump's introduction of tariffs earlier this year has sent prices skyrocketing, with some companies facing tariffs as high as 30%. This has forced Chris Butler, CEO of the National Tree Company, to pass along increased costs to consumers.
Butler notes that while his company sells a wide range of holiday products, artificial Christmas trees are still the clear favorite among Americans. In fact, an estimated 85% of consumers prefer fake trees over real ones. However, with prices rising due to tariffs, Butler is now lobbying lawmakers to push for relief and fair treatment for companies like his.
Meanwhile, families like the Pena's are flocking to local tree farms, driven by tradition and a desire for that authentic holiday scent. "The smell triggers those memories growing up," says David Pena, who handpicked an 8-foot-tall Fraser pine at Dutchman Tree Farms. For farmers like Scott Powell, it's not just about selling trees – it's about creating a sense of nostalgia and joy in their customers' homes.
As tariffs continue to affect the holiday season, one thing is clear: real Christmas trees are making a comeback. And for families looking to create lasting memories, that scent of pine and tradition may be just what they're looking for this year.
I think it's awesome that real Christmas trees are getting more love now! Tariffs on those fake ones are pretty harsh, you know? Like, who needs a tree that's gonna cost an arm and a leg? 
Plus, there's just something so special about having a real tree in your home, you feel me? The scent of pine is like, the ultimate holiday vibe! 
My fam always gets these amazing Fraser pines when we go to the farm, and it's literally the highlight of our holiday season. I love how farmers like Scott are all about creating that nostalgia and joy for their customers – it's just so heartwarming! 
. Local farms like Dutchman Tree Farms r killing it, providing more than just trees, they're creating memories! 
. Let's keep the real tree movement going and make this holiday season one to remember! 
. Like, 85% of people still prefer fake ones? That's a pretty big chunk of the market. And now tariffs on imports are making them more attractive? It just doesn't add up to me 
. I mean, wouldn't it make more sense for consumers to just buy what they're used to instead of switching to real trees just because prices went up? 
But hey, if people want to pay top dollar for that "authentic" holiday experience, who am I to judge? 
. And it's not just the smell – I think it's the whole experience of getting out to the farm, picking out your own tree, and then decorating it all together as a family... that's what makes it truly special 
️.
Plus, it's all about that authentic holiday scent 
Time for me to start planning my tree-picking adventure 
. And now we get to enjoy the charming experience of buying a live tree from a farmer who's been working their butt off since November