Pennsylvania remains one of the nation’s leading producers of real Christmas trees, with farms across the state harvesting an estimated 720,000 trees each year, according to federal agriculture data. The industry, rooted in more than a century of regional history, continues to shape holiday traditions even as growers face shifting consumer habits and rising costs.
The state is home to roughly 1,300 Christmas tree farms, second only to one other state nationwide. Pennsylvania’s role in the development of the modern Christmas tree industry is especially significant. Early innovations in cultivation, nursery production and tree shaping helped transform Christmas trees from wild-cut evergreens into the dense, conical forms now familiar to consumers.
Commercial Christmas tree farming in the region dates back to the early 1900s, when the first large-scale plantings were established just across the river in New Jersey. Pennsylvania growers soon followed, improving methods that are still widely used. Techniques such as selective shearing, seedling nurseries and controlled planting cycles replaced the earlier practice of cutting trees from forests or abandoned land.
Today’s Christmas tree farming is a long-term commitment. Most trees take about seven years to reach a marketable height of six to seven feet. Farmers typically plant seedlings in early spring, prune and shape trees annually, and manage pests and weeds throughout the growing season. By late summer, trees are trimmed into their final shape, preparing them for winter harvest.
Firs dominate Pennsylvania production, accounting for roughly two-thirds of the state’s trees. Fraser and Douglas firs are especially popular for their needle retention and appearance. Pines and spruces also remain part of the mix, reflecting the state’s climate and soil conditions.
While the industry remains strong, it is smaller than it once was. The number of Christmas tree farms in Pennsylvania has declined over the past two decades, driven by high startup costs, labor demands and competition from artificial trees. Changing consumer preferences have also played a role, particularly among younger households seeking convenience.
Still, many growers are adapting by focusing on choose-and-cut operations that emphasize family experiences. These farms often combine tree sales with wagon rides, seasonal activities and agritourism, attracting customers from nearby cities along the East Coast.
Pennsylvania’s cultural connection to Christmas trees runs deep. Even pop star Taylor Swift spent part of her childhood on her family’s Christmas tree farm in Berks County, a reminder of how closely the industry is tied to the state’s identity.
Source: PA Christmas Tree Growers Assn, Phila. Inquirer