Why tariffs might make real Christmas trees more attractive this holiday season

Manton, Michigan — Dutchman Tree Farms in northern Michigan is a hive of activity as the holiday season approaches. With over 1,500 workers diligently cutting and wrapping rows of pines, the farm is gearing up to ship out more than 500,000 real Christmas trees this year.

Scott Powell, a key figure in managing the over 9,000-acre family farm, emphasizes the importance of North American-grown Christmas trees in American homes. Powell is proud to offer tariff-free trees that are cultivated by hardworking families.

While Powell’s tree prices have remained stable, the cost of imported plastic trees has increased. The majority of these artificial trees are manufactured in Asia and have been impacted by tariffs imposed by President Trump earlier this year.

Chris Butler, the CEO of the National Tree Company, a prominent supplier of artificial Christmas trees, notes that tariffs on these items have surged from zero to between 20% and 30%, depending on the country of origin. This spike in tariffs has compelled Butler’s company to transfer some of the additional costs to consumers. Despite the price hike, approximately 85% of Americans continue to opt for artificial Christmas trees over real ones. Butler is actively advocating for tariff relief and hopes to bring down the increased costs. He highlights the disparity in treatment between artificial tree imports and other non-U.S. grown products that have been exempted from the new tariffs.

For the Pena family, selecting a real Christmas tree from Dutchman Tree Farms is a cherished tradition. Handpicking an 8-foot-tall Fraser pine, David Pena explains that the nostalgic scent of a real tree evokes precious childhood memories and he is eager to create similar experiences for his own family.

Farmers like Powell are relying on the appeal of the natural fragrance and joy associated with real Christmas trees to drive sales. Powell emphasizes the emotional connection that customers have with bringing a live tree into their homes, underscoring the unique charm and tradition that real trees embody.