Celebrating the Season: The Story of Christmas Tree Farming

With the holidays upon us it only seems appropriate to pay homage to the tree of the season, that of course being the Christmas tree.

The Roots of the Christmas Tree

The origin of the Christmas tree is not crystal clear, but many believe the version we know today dates back to 16th century Germany where Christians brought trees into their homes. They decorated them with apples, roses, and other symbolic trinkets. In the late 1700s and into the next century German settlers made the tradition popular in America. Trees were taken randomly from the forests and sold in markets. In 1901 the first commercial tree farm was established in New Jersey.

The Christmas Tree Industry Today

Today, the Christmas tree farming industry employs more than 100,000 full and part time workers. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, 25 to 30 million trees are harvested each year. The states leading the way are Oregon, North Carolina, and Michigan. Our home state of Pennsylvania comes in at fourth place with Indiana County in the southwest corner of the state claiming to be “The Christmas Tree Capital of the World”. It says so right on the billboard coming into town. Admittedly there is ongoing debate about this.

Concerns over the environment are often part of the conversation and rightly so, a real tree vs an artificial one. Consider this; for every tree that is harvested 2-3 more are planted maintaining agricultural space, capturing carbon, and producing oxygen. When you’re done with the tree it can be made into mulch and continue to have purpose. Where I live in central PA the local Lions Club does a curb side pickup of trees. They then coordinate with the state game commission who place the trees back in the forest to provide a natural habitat for wildlife. Another great option is to get a potted tree, bring it inside to decorate, and then plant it outside after the holidays.

Iconic Christmas Trees

Probably the most famous Christmas tree is the one at Rockefeller Center in NYC. This tradition began in 1931 and continues to be a popular holiday destination. The tree stands about 80 feet tall and attracts visitors from around the world, typically over a half a million people visit each day. This year's tree came from upstate New York, a cherished honor for the grower.

Many communities across the country have their own traditions centered around a decorated tree in the town square or park, a place for all to gather and celebrate.

Cherished Memories from Our Hardwood Rack Team: Christmas Tree Hunting

I have fond memories as a child in rural Pennsylvania, going to cut a tree each year with my brother and father. We had free rein on a friend’s tree farm, in exchange for a tree my mother would make cookies for Paul, the land owner. Hunting for that perfect tree could take up a good chunk of the day. There always seemed to be a better prospect over on the next hill, so off we went. Exhausting - but so much fun!

We hope you have a joyous holiday season with your family, friends, and maybe some time in the forest, too.