Survey: Real Christmas Tree Growers Forecast Strong Supply and Steady Wholesale Prices for 2026 Holiday Season

HOWELL, Mich., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Real Christmas Tree Board is sharing its 2026 real Christmas tree market outlook based on results from its fifth annual survey of wholesale Christmas tree growers. The good news? The 2026 real Christmas tree forecast is merry and bright with another season of stable wholesale prices, ample supply, and steady demand.

That's based on findings from the organization's survey¹ of 47 wholesale growers, representing about half-to-two-thirds of the United States' real Christmas tree market.

Wholesale prices expected to hold steady

Of the wholesale growers surveyed, 91% said they don't plan to raise their wholesale prices, including those who may lower them for the 2026 season. That figure is up from 84% who said the same in 2025.

While the price that a consumer will pay varies and is set by retailers, a holiday consumer survey² showed that shoppers last year had a positive experience at check out. 91% of respondents who purchased a real Christmas tree said the price they paid was worth it and 56% said the price they paid was less than they expected.

Despite continued year-over-year upticks in input costs, growers are largely absorbing increases rather than passing them along to retailers.

"Real Christmas Tree growers are committed to providing families with a high-quality tree, whether they're a first-time buyer or continuing their yearly holiday tradition," said Marsha Gray, executive director of the Real Christmas Tree Board. "This year's outlook reflects the consistency of the real Christmas tree industry."

Strong supply will meet demand

Of the wholesale growers surveyed, 85% rated the 2026 supply as strong or very strong. Families can feel confident they will find a real Christmas tree that's right for them with plenty of options to choose from. Just like last year, and every year before that, there will be a real Christmas tree for everyone who wants one.

The joy and tradition of picking out a real Christmas tree takes many forms. Real Christmas trees are easy to find in a variety of shapes and sizes at choose-and-cut farms, seasonal lots, home improvement stores, garden centers, and other local retailers nationwide. During the 2025 holiday season, 91% of those surveyed said they had no issue locating a place nearby to purchase a tree.² 

Demand is expected to remain steady with nearly 8 in 10 wholesale growers (79%) saying they anticipate selling the same number of trees or more compared to last year.

"Choosing a real Christmas tree is the start of the holiday season," said Gray. "From the joy of finding the perfect tree, to the fresh scent that fills a home, it's an experience that creates lasting memories all season long."

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

¹ About the Grower Survey: The Real Christmas Tree Board, in conjunction with FleishmanHillard, fielded a survey of 47 wholesale growers of real Christmas trees across the U.S. Each of the responding growers conducts business in one or more of the following regions: Northwest, West, Southwest, Mid-West, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast. Combined, the respondents supply half-to-two-thirds of the country's real Christmas trees. The survey was fielded in August 2026; last year, the survey was fielded among 43 wholesale growers in August 2025.

²About the Post-Season Consumer Survey: TRUE Global Intelligence (TGI), the in-house research practice of FleishmanHillard, fielded a survey of 1,500 Americans adults ages 21 to 54 years. All survey respondents either celebrate/observe Christmas or Noche Buena or display a Christmas tree. Respondents were required to either decide or share in the decision of what Christmas tree to put up in their home each year. The survey was fielded from December 26, 2025 to January 7, 2026. The survey has a margin of error of ±4.8% for respondents who purchased a real Christmas tree in 2025.

KNOW YOUR SOURCES

TRUST THOSE WHO GROW AND KNOW

The Real Christmas Tree Board (RCTB) is the media's expert resource for insights about farm-grown Christmas trees. Chartered in 2015 as the Christmas Tree Promotion Board and renamed in 2022, it is a national research and promotion program whose mission is to share the benefits of fresh Christmas trees with consumers through promotion and public relations, while engaging in research to better serve customers and growers. The USDA provides oversight of the RCTB to ensure transparency, accuracy, and fairness in its communications. The RCTB provides the media and public with accurate information, added insights, and the latest news and inspiration for the season. It represents real Christmas trees sold in the United States and is supported through annual assessments paid by any business growing or importing 500 or more real Christmas trees. This press release was developed and distributed by the RCTB. Search "Real Christmas Tree Board" online and visit RealChristmasTreeBoard.com. 

National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), founded in 1955, is the national trade association and advocacy organization for the farm-grown Christmas tree industry, leading its public policy/governmental affairs and serving as the "voice of the industry." NCTA represents hundreds of active member farms, 38 state and regional associations, and thousands of affiliated businesses that grow and sell Christmas trees or provide related services. Each year since 1966, an NCTA member has presented the official White House Christmas tree to the First Lady, which is displayed in the Blue Room. NCTA is also a trusted media resource on farm-grown Christmas trees.

Please note …

American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) does not represent real Christmas trees or growers. It is a 501(c)(3) corporation established in 2009 and has no known members representing the real Christmas tree industry. Thomas Harman³ is CEO of ACTA and is also the founder and CEO of Balsam Hill, a seller of artificial Christmas trees.⁴ The majority of artificial Christmas trees are manufactured overseas.⁵ 

³ https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/352342528_201912_990EO_2021042017972245.pdf
⁴ https://www.balsamhill.com/about-us
⁵ Data pulled from the U.S. Census Bureau's International Trade in Goods and Services report https://usatrade.census.gov 

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SOURCE Real Christmas Tree Board