Survey: Shoppers Choose Real Christmas Trees for the Scent, the Experience, and the Joy
85% of survey respondents agree that real Christmas trees bring joy to everyone who sees and smells them.
HOWELL, Mich., Oct. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey1 from the Real Christmas Tree Board unwraps what inspires people to choose a real Christmas tree and what "newcomers" to the magic of a real Christmas tree – as well as returning buyers – can expect as they bring one home this holiday season.
"This year's survey shows that people treasure the unmistakable scent and the entire experience that comes with a real Christmas tree," said Marsha Gray, executive director of the Real Christmas Tree Board. "Whether it's a cherished tradition or you're eager to try something new, shoppers can look forward to the delight of finding their perfect real Christmas tree."
Scent and experience bring joy
In this year's survey, 85% of respondents indicate that real Christmas trees bring joy to everyone
who sees and smells them. In fact, the scent of a real Christmas tree tops the list as a reason to choose the real thing this year. Unified by the season-defining scent of Christmas trees, the majority of survey respondents indicate the scent of a real Christmas tree makes their home feel festive (89%), enhances their holiday experience (85%) and is relaxing (84%).
Plus, a real Christmas tree is more than just a decoration. It's an opportunity to have an experience with loved ones. In fact, respondents ranked "making memories with my family" as the second most appealing reason to have a real Christmas tree, right after scent.
As always, there's a real Christmas tree for everyone who wants one
Last year, 98% of survey respondents found a tree they loved, and 91% reported no problem locating a place nearby to purchase their tree.2 Consumers can expect plenty of choices this year as well.
Additionally, according to the board's grower survey released last month3, 84% of growers said they do not plan to raise wholesale prices, including those who may lower them. While the price that a consumer will pay varies and is set by retailers, 90% of respondents who purchased a real Christmas tree last year said the price they paid was worth it.2
Gray is thrilled that shoppers continue to have a great retail experience, adding: "Given the strong supply, and many convenient locations to shop, it's a wonderful time to make a real Christmas tree part of your family's holiday tradition."
The joy is worth the switch
Those considering a real Christmas tree for the first time this year can be encouraged by the positively twinkling survey responses from those who made the switch last year.
Nearly all who switched said they enjoyed the experience, and almost nine in 10 wished they had made the switch to a real Christmas tree sooner. In addition, 90% said they hope their children will continue to experience the joy of having a real tree for years to come.
As for what's motivating first-time buyers this year, the top reasons include wanting to try something different (42%), the desire to create a more authentic holiday experience (37%), and real trees providing a unique scent that they enjoy (36%).
The switch is safe for the environment
Just like pumpkins for Halloween, real Christmas trees are grown to be harvested, and they're 100% recyclable and biodegradable.
"Those who are new to real Christmas trees can be assured that they are a sustainable crop, backed by generations of committed farmers," said Gray. "Growers are stewards of their land, and for every tree harvested, they plant at least one new tree."
Convenient ways to shop and learn more
Real Christmas trees are available nationwide at choose-and-cut farms, seasonal lots, garden centers, home improvement stores, and other local retailers. Shoppers are encouraged to check in advance with their preferred retailer for hours, pricing, and tree species availability. They can start their search by visiting RealChristmasTrees.com for a special retail locator, a guide to the different kinds of real Christmas trees, care tips, and more.
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
1 About the 2025 Pre-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 display a Christmas tree. Respondents were required to either decide or share in the decision of whether and what kind of Christmas tree to put up in their home each year or influence their home's decisionmaker. The survey was fielded August 19, 2025, to September 2, 2025. The survey has a margin of error of ±2.5% and higher for subgroups.
2 About 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 display a Christmas tree. Respondents were required to either decide or share in the decision of whether and what kind of Christmas tree to put up in their home each year or influence their home's decisionmaker. The survey was fielded from December 21, 2024 to December 30, 2024. The survey has a margin of error of ±2.5% and higher for subgroups.
3 About the Grower Survey: The Real Christmas Tree Board, in conjunction with FleishmanHillard, fielded a survey of 43 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 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 Harman4 is CEO of ACTA and is also the founder and CEO of Balsam Hill, a seller of artificial Christmas trees.5 The majority of artificial Christmas trees are manufactured overseas.6
4 https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/352342528_201912_990EO_2021042017972245.pdf
5 https://www.balsamhill.com/about-us
6 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
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