Good forecast for real Christmas trees this year
Thinking about green this holiday season? This could be a good December to choose a fresh Christmas tree.
High tariffs on imported artificial trees, mostly from China, are expected to increase their cost by 10% to 20%, according to reports. In 2024, about 85% of all Christmas trees sold were fake.
Meanwhile, most real Christmas tree growers – 84% – say they’re holding the line on price increases this season, says the National Christmas Tree Association. That could make a fresh tree a comparative bargain.
Local nurseries and tree lots are now packed with fresh-cut firs galore. For example, Green Acres Nursery & Supply’s seven nurseries each have hundreds of trees. Such nurseries as The Plant Foundry, The Secret Garden, Big Oak, High-Hand and Talini’s feature fresh Christmas trees as part of their Small Business Saturday and holiday celebrations.
Most cut trees offered in the greater Sacramento area came from growers in Oregon. Some also were harvested from nearby Sierra farms.
In addition, cut-your-own tree farms in Sacramento, Solano, Yolo, Placer and El Dorado counties officially open for business this weekend. Those trees are in excellent shape, thanks to recent refreshing rain and two years of relatively good water supply and favorable weather.
Tree farms in Apple Hill near Placerville expect thousands of customers to make a fresh-cut tree as part of their holiday tradition, says the El Dorado County Christmas Tree Growers. Several farms offer fresh apple products, too, in addition to fresh wreaths and garlands.
Most choose-and-cut farms supply saws plus netting and twine to help get your tree home. Remember to dress warmly with gloves and sturdy shoes.
For locations, hours and other updates, go to: https://chooseandcut.com/tree-farms
Don’t wait until Dec. 24 to grab your tree, say the growers. There’s a limited supply and the best ones will go fast.
For a tree source near you, check out this map from the National Christmas Tree Association. It includes both pre-cut and choose-and-cut trees: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1c-vPoGf79mfQezTgcFoKb-xN4A4&ll=38.50774663080001%2C-121.0286353404612&z=10
