Billions of people across the globe look forward to celebrating Christmas on December 25. And for many of the celebrations, Christmas trees play a key role. Before being decorated with ornaments and lights around, and encircled with presents below, many Christmas tree traditions begin outdoors. Individuals and families flock to tree farms and national forests to choose their favorite balsams, spruces, pines, or firs. And they will contribute to the more than 25 million Christmas trees harvested in the U.S. each year.
This map is based on data from the 2017 USDA Agricultural Census and national forest information from Recreation.gov. It shows the number of trees sold by commercial tree farms for each county, and which national forests sell permits for felling your own trees. Each national forest has different prices and rules for how many trees may be cut, so be sure to acquire this information when purchasing a permit.
Tree farms are an important driver for local economies and are a $2 billion industry for the United States. Christmas tree farms are also environmentally friendly. Christmas trees are naturally renewable and sequester an estimated one ton of carbon dioxide for every acre planted. And the more we rely on natural trees, the less plastic, metal, and other material from artificial trees are bound for the landfill.
Launch Interactive Map
Whether you choose to cut your own or buy a local pre-cut Christmas tree, you’re contributing to a better economy and helping the environment. And that’s something to be extra cheerful about this holiday season!
By the Numbers
Here are the nation’s top ten counties for Christmas tree production:
| County | State | Christmas Trees Grown & Sold | U.S. Rank | State Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashe County | North Carolina | 1,882,577 | 1 | 1 |
| Clackamas County | Oregon | 1,822,149 | 2 | 1 |
| Marion County | Oregon | 870,890 | 3 | 2 |
| Avery County | North Carolina | 763,552 | 4 | 2 |
| Missaukee County | Michigan | 571,219 | 5 | 1 |
| Alleghany County | North Carolina | 562,529 | 6 | 3 |
| Benton County | Oregon | 417,210 | 7 | 3 |
| Linn County | Oregon | 361,822 | 8 | 4 |
| Grayson County | Virginia | 328,194 | 9 | 1 |
| Lewis County | Washington | 257,248 | 10 | 1 |
More to Explore
- Read more about the benefits of real Christmas trees.
- Is one tree not enough? Learn what it takes to start your own tree farm.
- Explore the history behind the tradition of Christmas trees.
