7 Fun Facts About Christmas Trees

Fresh Christmas Trees Are Popular

Here’s one fun fact about Christmas trees. Each year about 30 million American families enjoy a fresh, real Christmas tree during the holiday season.

Need decorating ideas? Check out nature and bird Christmas tree ornaments we love.

How Long Does It Take to Grow a Christmas Tree?

On average, it takes Christmas trees seven years to reach their standard retail height of 6 or 7 feet, perfect for most homes.

Check out the top fast growing trees to add beauty to your backyard.

Number of Christmas Tree Farms in America

About 17,000 farms produce conifers for the holiday market. Some even offer the opportunity to choose and cut your own, which can be a fun family outing.

Have a small space? Check out the top 10 dwarf conifers.

Christmas Trees Are Sustainable

Don’t feel guilty about buying a fresh tree—you’re not ruining a pristine forest. About 98 percent of all Christmas trees are grown on farms as sustainable crops.

Learn how to make a tomato cage Christmas tree for birds.

Future Christmas Trees Are Growing Now

For every tree they harvest, Christmas tree growers plant one to three new seedlings the following spring to ensure a constant supply. Close to 350 million trees planted by farmers are growing now and will end up in homes across the country.

Discover the best types of Christmas trees you can grow.

First Christmas Tree in Written History

The first written record of a decorated Christmas tree is from Latvia in 1510. It says the tree was decorated with artificial roses. In the 1800s, German settlers brought the Christmas tradition to the U.S.

The Top States for Growing Christmas Trees

Many Christmas trees are from the top six states for Christmas tree production:

• • Michigan
  • North Carolina
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Wisconsin
  • Washington

Want more surprising facts about a holiday plant? Check out: 8 Facts About Christmas Cactus