LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – As tariff concerns continue to affect the cost of some imported goods, experts say one holiday staple remains largely unaffected: Michigan-grown Christmas trees.
Real Christmas trees produced in the state are grown domestically, meaning they are not subject to tariffs that can increase prices on imported artificial trees, according to Bill Lindberg, a Christmas Tree Extension Educator with Michigan State University Extension.
“Real Christmas trees are grown here in Michigan. We’re the third largest state in Christmas tree production in the whole country,” Lindberg said. “We harvest about 2 million trees annually, around 500 farms in Michigan, and about 3,000 people work in Christmas trees.”
Because of that domestic production, Lindberg said real trees are shielded from tariff-related price increases.
“For our trees that are grown here in Michigan, we’re not gonna be subject to any tariffs as they’re grown domestically in the United States,” he said. “Artificial trees are primarily all produced overseas, mostly all in China. And so when they’re bringing them in, they would be subject to a tariff.”
Those differences may be influencing consumer behavior this holiday season.
“The tariffs could have an impact in raising the prices of artificial trees you would find at the store,” Lindberg said. “So when I’m having conversations with my Christmas tree farmers across the state, they’re seeing strong demand for trees this year.”
Beyond pricing, Lindberg said many people choose natural trees for the experience they provide.
“We know from surveys, the biggest reason why people choose real Christmas trees is because when you bring that real tree into your house, it brings joy to everyone who sees and especially smell of that Christmas tree into your house,” he said.
Despite some drought conditions across parts of Michigan in 2025, Lindberg said growers adapted by increasing irrigation, resulting in a strong growing year and steady supply heading into the holiday season.
Michigan is the third-largest producer of Christmas trees in the nation, with farms operating across both the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. Industry officials say the state’s growers continue to play a significant role in both local economies and holiday traditions nationwide.
