Oregon produces more Christmas trees than any other US state, bringing in about $120 million annually

Oregon is a Christmas tree haven, with the state being the largest producer of Christmas trees in the United States. According to World Population Review, Oregon harvests around 4 million trees annually, accounting for approximately 33% of the total amount of Christmas trees produced in the country each year. This translates to a staggering $120 million in revenue annually, making Christmas tree farming a significant industry in the state.

One of the key players in Oregon’s Christmas tree production is Holiday Tree Farms, established in 1955 by the Schudel family. Spanning over 8,500 acres, Holiday Tree Farms is considered the largest Christmas tree producer in the world. The farm harvests around 1 million trees annually and employs approximately 600 workers during the busy harvest season in its 12 processing yards.

Holiday Tree Farms not only caters to Oregon residents but also ships its Christmas trees around the United States and even exports them to countries like Mexico, Guam, Asia, and Central America. The farm grows a variety of tree species, with the Douglas fir being the most popular choice for households during the holiday season. In addition to Douglas firs, Holiday Tree Farms also cultivates Grand fir, Noble fir, and Nordmann fir trees.

While Oregon leads the pack in Christmas tree production, North Carolina is not far behind, producing about 4 million trees annually and generating around $86 million in revenue. Overall, the United States sees approximately 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees sold each year, with about 350 million trees growing across the country.

Growing a Christmas tree is a labor-intensive process that requires patience and dedication. It takes an average of seven years for a tree to reach a height of six to seven feet, with some trees taking up to 15 years to mature. Every spring, farmers replant one to three seedlings for every tree harvested in the fall, ensuring a continuous cycle of tree growth.

Christmas tree farming is not only a lucrative business but also a sustainable one, with farmers taking care to replant and nurture new seedlings each year. Oregon’s Christmas tree industry continues to thrive, providing festive cheer to households across the country and beyond.