Oregon's largest Christmas tree farm sells close to 1 million trees each year.

Oregon: The Heart of Christmas Tree Production in the U.S.

Oregon leads the nation in Christmas tree production, harvesting approximately 4 million trees annually. According to World Population Review, this accounts for about 33% of all Christmas trees produced in the United States. The annual revenue from Oregon’s Christmas tree industry is estimated at $120 million, as noted by the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Among Oregon’s standout producers is Holiday Tree Farms, recognized as the largest Christmas tree farm in the world. Founded in 1955 by the Schudel family, the farm spans over 8,500 acres and harvests an impressive 1 million trees each year. Holiday Tree Farms employs approximately 600 workers during the harvest season, utilizing 12 processing yards to manage their operations.

The farm cultivates various tree species, including Douglas fir, Grand fir, Noble fir, and Nordmann fir, with Douglas fir being the most popular choice for holiday decorations. Holiday Tree Farms’ trees are not only cherished in Oregon but are also shipped across the U.S. and exported internationally to destinations such as Mexico, Guam, Asia, and Central America.

Oregon’s dominance in the industry is closely followed by North Carolina, which produces around 4 million trees annually, generating $86 million in revenue.

A Sustainable Practice

Growing a Christmas tree is a lengthy process, taking an average of seven years for a tree to reach six to seven feet in height, though some may take up to 15 years. To ensure sustainability, farmers plant one to three seedlings for every tree harvested. This practice supports the growth of approximately 350 million Christmas trees currently growing across the United States.

As the holiday season approaches, Oregon’s vast Christmas tree farms continue to play a vital role in bringing festive cheer to homes and businesses worldwide.