Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs As the holiday season gets underway, millions of Americans are decorating their homes with the timeless symbol of Christmas cheer—a fragrant, fresh-cut Christmas tree. But have you ever wondered which states are responsible for growing the majority of these festive evergreens?A map shows all the states that dominate the Christmas tree market.According to data from the U.S Department of Agriculture and the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), the Christmas tree industry in the country is thriving, with several states leading the way in production.The USDA states that Christmas trees are grown commercially on about 16,000 farms across all 50 States.”Data from the Census of Agriculture show that in 2022, the United States cut more than 14.5 million Christmas trees,” the USDA said.”Although Christmas tree farms span the country, more than half the trees cut in 2022 were grown in two states, Oregon and North Carolina, where growing conditions favor production of the most popular species of Christmas trees, including Noble, Douglas, and Fraser firs.”Michigan and Washington are also notable Christmas tree-growing States, as are Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Virginia,” the USDA states.Newsweek contacted the USDA for comment via email on Saturday.
The Capitol Christmas tree is seen outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C, on December 6, 2024. A map shows the states that produce the most Christmas trees in the U.S.
The Capitol Christmas tree is seen outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C, on December 6, 2024. A map shows the states that produce the most Christmas trees in the U.S.
ALLISON ROBBERT/AFP/Getty Images
OregonOregon is the undisputed leader in Christmas tree production, cultivating nearly 4.7 million trees each year, which is about 33 percent of all Christmas trees produced across the U.S., according to NCEI.While there are over 600 conifer species, the most popular one used as a Christmas tree is the Fraser Fir, followed by the Douglas Fir, and the Noble Fir, NCEI said. The Noble Fir and Douglas Fir are Oregon’s most-produced Christmas trees, while North Carolina predominantly grows Fraser Fir trees.North CarolinaKnown for its Fraser firs, North Carolina ranks second in production, with 4 million trees produced annually.Fraser firs are prized for their strong branches, needle retention, and pleasant aroma. The Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina provide the perfect environment for these trees.MichiganMichigan is home to over 60 choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms, according to The Detroit News, producing approximately 2 million trees each year, according to the Michigan Agricultural Council.The state’s diverse climate supports a variety of species. Michigan produces and sells more than nine Christmas tree varieties on a wholesale level, which is more varieties than any other state. Its central location also allows for efficient distribution across the Midwest and beyond.PennsylvaniaWith a long history of Christmas tree farming, Pennsylvania ranks among the top producers, growing around 1 million trees annually. There are more than 1,400 Christmas tree farms in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania ranks third in the nation for number of Christmas tree farms.WisconsinRounding out the top five, Wisconsin is a major producer of Scotch pine, Balsam fir, and Fraser fir, cutting around 700,000 trees annually.The state’s farms focus on sustainable practices, ensuring that Christmas tree production remains eco-friendly while meeting high demand.Other notable contributors to the country’s Christmas tree supply include Washington, Virginia, Minnesota, Ohio, and New York, each of which produces hundreds of thousands of trees annually.
Map created by Matthew Robinson for Newsweek
One of the reasons real Christmas trees remain popular is their sustainability. Unlike artificial trees, real trees are biodegradable and often grown on land unsuitable for other crops. For every tree harvested, farmers typically plant one to three seedlings, ensuring the cycle continues.Whether you purchase a fresh tree from a local lot or cut your own at a nearby farm, your Christmas tree likely hails from one of these leading states.
