Pine Tree Capitals: What Are the Top 3 Christmas Tree Producing States?

Every holiday season, tens of millions of fresh real Christmas trees are harvested to bring festive fragrance and tradition into living rooms across the nation. But have you ever wondered where these holiday evergreens actually come from?

Christmas tree farming is a thriving agricultural industry in the United States, taking anywhere from 7 to 10 years to cultivate a single 6-foot tree. What are the top 3 Christmas tree producing states? According to official USDA agricultural census data, the top three states leading the nation in real Christmas tree harvests are Oregon, North Carolina, and Michigan.

Top Christmas Tree Producing States Breakdown

Here is a detailed look at the big three tree-producing states, their specialty fir species, and what makes their region ideal for growing evergreens:

• #1 Oregon
• Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, Grand Fir
• Cool Pacific Northwest rain and fertile volcanic soils create optimal evergreen growing conditions
• #2 North Carolina
• Fraser Fir ("Cadillac of Christmas Trees")
• High Appalachian elevation and cool mountain air yield dense branches with soft, long-lasting needles
• #3 Michigan
• Balsam Fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, Fraser Fir
• Sandy glacial soil and Great Lakes climate support a rich diversity of evergreen varieties

3 Fun Facts About Real Christmas Tree Agriculture

• The White House Tradition: The Official White House Christmas Tree is selected through a national competition hosted by the National Christmas Tree Association. **North Carolina's Fraser Fir** has won the honor more times than any other state!
• Sustainable Farming Cycle: Real Christmas trees are a renewable agricultural crop. For every single tree harvested in Oregon, North Carolina, or Michigan, farmers plant **1 to 3 new saplings** the following spring.
• Needle Longevity Champion: North Carolina's Fraser Fir is famous worldwide for having the softest needles and best natural moisture retention, making it less prone to shedding indoors.

The Bottom Line

Whether your real holiday evergreen originates from the mountain slopes of North Carolina, the lush valleys of Oregon, or the Great Lakes farms of Michigan, purchasing a real Christmas tree supports family farming and sustainable agricultural traditions!