LIFESTYLE

Consumers choose trees amid tariffs and holiday traditions

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Center 100%

Sources: 6

United States — Retailers, farms and state officials reported Christmas tree activity this week as consumers chose between real and artificial options. Farmers reported Black Friday and weekend sales peaks and advised buyers to check freshness, trunk fit and water capacity. A family-donated Eastern red cedar arrived at the Alabama Capitol for an early December lighting. Reports linked higher artificial-tree prices to tariffs, noting some consumers shifted to real trees while many growers kept prices steady. Local farms highlighted family traditions and in several areas sold out quickly and shoppers noted supply variations. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Timeline

1988: Mills family begins planting at Clarks Hill Christmas Tree Farm.
Late 1980s–1997: Spencer family establishes and later begins selling trees from Crane Hill Tree Farm.
Late November (Black Friday): Booth's Christmas Tree Farm and others report peak customer traffic.
Late November: Reports surface on tariffs raising artificial-tree prices and Real Christmas Tree Board pricing statements.
Early December: Alabama's donated Eastern Red Cedar arrives at the Capitol ahead of the Dec. 5 lighting.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6

Who Benefited

Domestic Christmas tree growers and family-run tree farms benefited as some consumers shifted from pricier artificial trees to real trees, increasing foot traffic and sales at local farms.

Who Suffered

Importers and retailers of artificial trees and consumers who prefer artificial trees suffered higher costs due to tariffs, increasing retail prices and household expenses.

Expert Opinion