Experts say real, fresh-cut Christmas trees are the way to go this year.

NO TARIFFS ON REAL CHRISTMAS TREES

ABC News Report: Best Christmas Tree Prices are Fresh Trees

Shoppers looking for a Christmas tree this holiday season will find that real trees are a better value because tariffs are raising the cost of imported decorations. Prices for artificial trees are up nearly 20 percent. In contrast, traditional, home-grown, real, fresh-cut American Christmas trees cost about the same—or even less—than they did last year.

⇒ ORDER EARLY FROM JOSARIOS CHRISTMAS TREES ⇐

Tariffs Push Artificial Tree Costs Higher

Artificial Christmas tree prices are way up, with increases in 2025 as tariffs on Chinese imports take effect. Almost all the artificial Christmas trees sold in the United States are made in China. President Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods have forced retailers and manufacturers to raise prices substantially.

Mac Harman, the founder and CEO of Balsam Hill, shared how this affects consumers. He said, “If you were looking at a price last year, expect it to be about 10% to 15% higher this year.” This means a tree that cost $299 in 2024 could reach $359 in 2025.

Chris Butler, CEO of National Tree Company, confirmed that his industry has been forced to implement Christmas tree price increases. “We have raised prices and I think most companies have raised prices,” Butler told Fortune. His company, which supplies major retailers including Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s, expects prices on popular models to rise 10% to 20% this season.

Real Trees Hold Steady on Price

In stark contrast, the real Christmas tree prices remain largely unaffected by trade disputes. According to a survey by the Real Christmas Tree Board, 84% of wholesale growers reported they will not raise prices for the 2025 season, with some even planning to lower prices.

“Growers are prepared, supply is strong, and most are holding wholesale prices steady this year,” said Marsha Gray, executive director of the Real Christmas Tree Board. Average Christmas tree prices are expected to remain between $80 and $100 for a 6-foot tree.

Real Christmas trees avoid tariff impacts because they are primarily grown domestically.

Supply Concerns for Artificial Trees

Beyond higher artificial Christmas tree prices, artificial tree shoppers may also face limited selection this holiday season. Industry leaders warn that retailers ordered less inventory due to uncertainty about tariff rates, raising the risk of mid-December shortages.

“We’re seeing a bit of softness early in the season for Christmas trees, and we may have to give back some of those price increases and promotions to get back to where we need to be,” Butler explained. Mac Harman estimates the market will see about 15% fewer artificial trees available this year.

Industry Impact and Market Shifts

The Christmas decoration industry has faced significant disruption from tariffs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 88% of artificial Christmas trees, ornaments, and decorations came from China. China accounted for 87% of U.S. Christmas decoration imports last year, worth nearly $4 billion.

Christmas industry executives have described the tariff situation as creating “absolute anxiety” and forcing difficult business decisions. Companies have laid off workers, frozen hiring, halted salary increases, and diversified production to countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Mexico, and Indonesia to offset rising costs.

Jami Warner, executive director of the American Christmas Tree Association, summarized the industry mood: “This is a happy industry, and this is a pretty unhappy time to be in it”.

Shopping Recommendations

For budget-conscious consumers this holiday season, real Christmas trees present the more economical choice. Tree farmers report business remains brisk, with strong supply across the country. Many farms are offering competitive pricing, with some locations in rural areas charging as little as $10 per foot for live trees.

Rick Dungey, executive director of the National Christmas Tree Association, noted that few people will sacrifice the tradition of getting a tree despite economic uncertainties. “It’s about memories,” Dungey said. “It’s about feelings. And it’s once a year, right?”

Consumers who prefer artificial trees should purchase early to secure inventory and potentially access promotional pricing before sellouts occur. With 83% of households planning to display an artificial tree this year, demand remains high despite elevated prices.

As the holiday season approaches, the price gap between real and artificial trees has widened significantly, making this potentially the year of the real Christmas tree for American families looking to celebrate without overspending.