10 Most Popular Christmas Trees
By: Keith
21% of US households get a real Christmas tree for the holiday. We are going to contribute to that percentage this year like we do every year since the boys were born. Every family needs some traditions, and one of ours is picking out and cutting down a Christmas tree. When my wife and I first got married, 13 years ago, we had no money, not even for a small bush to decorate. One autumn day I picked up a fallen branch while on a walk and brought it back home. I didn’t have any intention of using it for anything; but, oddly, I left it on our apartment balcony anyway. When Christmas came around, and we had no tree, we decorated the branch. It was so pathetic, yet so funny, that we used the same branch for another two years for the same purpose. When the branch finally disappeared in one of our many moves we replaced it with a potted plant. It wasn’t until 7 years ago, when Mely had Neil, that we got our first tree. Nevertheless, I can rightfully claim that I’ve always had real plant life as our primary Christmas decoration.
30-35 million Real Christmas trees are sold every year in the United States. 36 million trees are harvested each winter season at a total value of 360 million dollars. That’s a pretty interesting little fact. Pumpkins are somewhat the same in that many more are harvested than are sold. Thankfully trees can be mulched and pumpkins can be composted. Artificial trees have an average lifespan of 6 years but sit for, obviously, much longer in landfills – yet another reason for a real tree that I didn’t mention yesterday.
Oregon, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Washington and Wisconsin are the top Christmas tree producers in the country with Michigan producing the greatest variety of trees (13). The top 10 best selling trees in the United States are right here:
1. Douglas Fir
2. Fraser Fir
3. Scotch Pine
4. Balsam Fir
5. Colorado Blue Spruce
6. Eastern Red Cedar
7. White Pine
8. Virginia Pine
9. White Fir
10.White Spruce
For a complete description of each tree you can read them here.
The University of Minnesota informs us about Christmas trees.
Between the sustainable nature of Christmas tree farming, the smells and the family traditions associated with real trees, I will probably always, if possible, opt for the real deal. During my research for this article I found out how truly nature friendly having a real tree is. 10 million artificial trees were sold last year. That means 10 million new landfill residents that are going to sit around for hundreds of years, whereas natural tree reach maturation every 7 years and return to the earth after each season. Admittedly, I’m not trying for being green; all I want is a real tree. But, knowing I’m doing something good for the environment is somewhat comforting. For people going out of town for the season or folks who simply don’t have access to a real tree, I can understand having to get an artificial tree. However, if at all possible, I encourage getting the real thing. Less than 1/10 of 1% of household fires during the season are attributable to real Christmas trees – just in case that was a concern.
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Ashley and I used to sit and string popcorn and cranberries for hours to complete the feel of a old fashioned Christmas but one year mice moved in and ate it right off the tree. It was funny to watch the garland being tugged and yanked about but that tradition stopped cold.
Very informative. Most of all, however, I wanted to say that I’m so glad you posted photos of past Christmases. It’s great to see you and your boys.
We have used the same [fake] tree for many years…mostly to save money. We may give it away this year, though, and opt for a “real” tree next year…
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Thanks, Stephanie! I actually thought a little about what pictures to include. I’m glad you liked them. My twin sister has a fake tree for the same reason you mention. I give her a hard time every year and she always says the same thing. She says she’s doing it to save money in the long run, but I think she’s doing it because she doesn’t like murdering trees
She always cried when we were kids and my dad took the tree to get mulched after christmas! heheheh
This was pretty cool, Keith. I’ve lived in a number of regions in the US, and it’s interesting to see how the trees available vary. I’ve also celebrated overseas, and those trees are different again.
The aroma alone is heavenly. Love seeing the pictures of you and the boys!
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Yes, Wolf, I’ve noticed that too. I always got a Balsam fir when I lived in Minnesota and Wisconsin. But, here in Colorado they have some other varieties I haven’t seen before. It’s quite a business, that’s for sure.
Really, I thought the numbers were more like 10% or lower of the population got access to real trees – as US is just not that green.
What do you do with the trees after Xmas is over?
Ruth, I guess it depends on where you’re from. When I lived in New Hampshire everybody had a real tree. But, Southern California was different. Most trees get mulched by whatever city you live in. They use them for landscaping and such. It’s way greener than artificial trees.
I can’t actually believe that I did get the fake tree.. 4 years ago now. I always had real ones before (I mean except when I lived in Boston and decorated my bicycle.. becaues where in god’s name do you put a tree in a space THAT small??) and then something just came over me and I had to have that tree with the pre-strung retro bulbs. Biggest mistake ever! Each year (including the first) at least 2 strands didn’t work and I had to order new ones (at least they were covered in the warranty) and string them myself which took quite a chunk of valuable time!! This year I just cut them all off and strung my own lights.. so much better! Also, even before I read this, I got to feeling quite guilty about the green aspect.. I think perhaps we’ll hold on to this one until we can find someone to give it to and then go back to real. I do miss the smell! Loved all your Christmas artlicles Keith!