Keeping it 'real' for Christmas
Christmas might be less than two weeks away.
But you can be sure that there are some families who have yet to put up a Christmas tree this holiday season – let alone decide whether to purchase a real or artificial tree.
The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) wants to help make that decision, especially when it comes to Millennials who might be creating their first holiday memories while starting a new family.
This holiday season the association has launched a “Keep it Real” campaign while promoting the benefits of real Christmas trees.
The NCTA says Millennials are turning to real trees because of their positive impact on the environment. Real trees come from the earth and can be returned to the earth because they are biodegradable. They can also be used for mulch or recycled.
Additionally, the NCTA says that for every tree that is harvested, a new tree is planted. “Christmas tree farmers make sure planting and harvesting are balanced to protect the environment,” the NCTA said.
Making memories, including picking out a tree as a family, or the Christmas smell it provides in a home, are also arguments the association makes for buying a real tree.
“A Real Christmas tree is the traditional symbol for this season of giving, sharing, and family gatherings,” says Paul Schroeder, a Christmas tree grower from Wisconsin and president of the National Christmas Tree Association. “Nothing says Christmas more than the fresh scent, feel and evergreen beauty of a real Christmas tree.”
According to the association, about 27.4 million real Christmas trees were sold in 2017 compared to 21.1 million artificial trees. The association says the average cost for a real tree is $73 versus the average price of $107 for an artificial tree.
Based in Littleton, Col., the NCTA represents the farm-grown Christmas tree industry, including hundreds of active member farms in 29 states and regional associations along with nearly 4,000 affiliated businesses that grow and sell Christmas trees or provide related services.
Analysis from the NCTA shows that Christmas tree prices increased about 17% from 2015 to 2017, with the average price rising from $64 to $73. The NCTA estimates that prices will hold steady this year.
“While prices have increased over the past two years, this is the first time in more than a decade that many local tree farmers are profitable,” said Tim O’Connor, executive director of the NCTA. “Now more than ever, we hope to see families support American Christmas tree farmers, and create their own holiday tradition and family memories of choosing a locally grown tree this Christmas.”
But you can be sure that there are some families who have yet to put up a Christmas tree this holiday season – let alone decide whether to purchase a real or artificial tree.
The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) wants to help make that decision, especially when it comes to Millennials who might be creating their first holiday memories while starting a new family.
This holiday season the association has launched a “Keep it Real” campaign while promoting the benefits of real Christmas trees.
The NCTA says Millennials are turning to real trees because of their positive impact on the environment. Real trees come from the earth and can be returned to the earth because they are biodegradable. They can also be used for mulch or recycled.
Additionally, the NCTA says that for every tree that is harvested, a new tree is planted. “Christmas tree farmers make sure planting and harvesting are balanced to protect the environment,” the NCTA said.
Making memories, including picking out a tree as a family, or the Christmas smell it provides in a home, are also arguments the association makes for buying a real tree.
“A Real Christmas tree is the traditional symbol for this season of giving, sharing, and family gatherings,” says Paul Schroeder, a Christmas tree grower from Wisconsin and president of the National Christmas Tree Association. “Nothing says Christmas more than the fresh scent, feel and evergreen beauty of a real Christmas tree.”
According to the association, about 27.4 million real Christmas trees were sold in 2017 compared to 21.1 million artificial trees. The association says the average cost for a real tree is $73 versus the average price of $107 for an artificial tree.
Based in Littleton, Col., the NCTA represents the farm-grown Christmas tree industry, including hundreds of active member farms in 29 states and regional associations along with nearly 4,000 affiliated businesses that grow and sell Christmas trees or provide related services.
Analysis from the NCTA shows that Christmas tree prices increased about 17% from 2015 to 2017, with the average price rising from $64 to $73. The NCTA estimates that prices will hold steady this year.
“While prices have increased over the past two years, this is the first time in more than a decade that many local tree farmers are profitable,” said Tim O’Connor, executive director of the NCTA. “Now more than ever, we hope to see families support American Christmas tree farmers, and create their own holiday tradition and family memories of choosing a locally grown tree this Christmas.”