This holiday season, Americans are projected to purchase over 25 million fresh-cut Christmas trees, but one tree has already claimed the title of "pinnacle in pine perfection." An 8-foot Fraser Fir from Laurel Springs, North Carolina, was sold for $145 at Ardella Baptist Church in Lakeland, Florida, on November 30, marking a standout moment in the festive frenzy.
Chosen by Mason Hayes, 14, and his brother Jackson, 11, after an hour-long search through the Booger Mountain tree lot, this tree exemplifies everything they believe a perfect Christmas tree should be. “It has to be fat—no gaps at the top or the bottom,” Mason said. His brother added, “It has to be skinny and have no gaps anywhere,” as the duo carefully inspected every detail of their future Christmas centerpiece.
Their mother, Amy Hayes, who has been buying trees from Booger Mountain for over five years, swears by the superior quality of the farm's offerings compared to big-box retailers like Walmart and Home Depot. “Booger Mountain’s trees last longer, smell better, and I like to support local small businesses,” she explained.
The 2024 Christmas Tree Market: Big Business for Small Farms
According to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), the U.S. Christmas tree market will generate between $1.38 billion and $1.6 billion this year, thanks to the combined efforts of 100,000 seasonal workers and over 15,000 tree farms nationwide. The broader market, including artificial trees and holiday accessories, is projected to exceed $5.6 billion, according to Market Research Pulse and the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA).
While Oregon leads the nation in Christmas tree production, North Carolina holds a prominent second place, known for its prized Fraser Firs. These trees are celebrated for their robust needles and symmetrical shape, making them a favorite among families and even the White House. This year’s “national tree,” displayed at the White House, is a North Carolina Fraser Fir selected from a farm that weathered damage from Hurricane Helene.
A Resilient Crop Despite Weather Challenges
Despite weather-related challenges, 2024 has been a successful year for Christmas tree farmers. NCTA spokesperson Jill Sidebottom noted that while a wet spring and dry summer impacted tree growth in Pennsylvania and Maine, most North Carolina Fraser Firs emerged unscathed. "The taller trees were not damaged," she said, adding that North Carolina farms on higher ground escaped the worst of the summer storm impacts.
Marsha Gray, Executive Director of the Real Christmas Tree Board, echoed this optimism, highlighting the industry’s readiness for the season. “Growers nationwide reported good quality crops with minimal concerns about shipping,” she said. Nearly 60% of surveyed growers indicated they would keep wholesale prices stable despite inflationary pressures.
Why Fresh-Cut Trees Remain Popular
The Hayes family’s dedication to finding the perfect tree reflects a broader national trend. Fresh-cut trees continue to be favored for their natural beauty and fragrance, providing a nostalgic centerpiece for holiday celebrations. According to the NCTA, around two-thirds of Americans who purchase live trees buy them from small growers like Booger Mountain, emphasizing the importance of supporting local agriculture.
“They just smell like Christmas,” Amy Hayes said, admiring the Fraser Fir that will stand proudly in her family’s living room this year.
A Bright Outlook for the Industry
With healthy crops, steady pricing, and eager customers, the 2024 holiday season is shaping up to be a festive one for both consumers and tree farmers. As families across the country decorate their chosen evergreens, the Hayes family’s story is a reminder of the joy and tradition that comes with finding the perfect Christmas tree.
Whether sourced from a mountain farm or a local church lawn, each tree carries with it a piece of the holiday spirit—a sentiment that resonates across America this season.
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