Overview of the Christmas Tree Industry in the United States
- In the United States, there are more than 12,000 Christmas tree growers, with 300 in Illinois.
- The industry employs over 100,000 Americans as tree farmers, retailers, and truck drivers.
- 350 million Christmas trees are growing on U.S. farms.
- In 2011, 30.8 million live Christmas trees were purchased in the United States, with a $1.07 billion market value.
- Seasonal and part-time positions are available during peak times.
- In 2019, around 100,000 jobs were associated with the industry.
Statistics and Facts about Christmas Trees
- Christmas trees generally take 6-8 years to mature and are grown in all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska.
- 98 percent of all Christmas trees are grown on farms, with over 1,000,000 acres planted with them.
- The first Christmas tree retail lot was started in 1851 in New York.
- Christmas trees have the added benefit of removing dust and pollen from the air.