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

In northern Michigan, Dutchman Tree Farms is in peak holiday mode. Crews are cutting and wrapping row after row of pines, preparing to ship more than 500,000 real Christmas trees to homes across the country. The family-run operation spans over 9,000 acres, and managers say their goal is simple: help more families bring home a real, North American-grown tree—one that supports local farms.

While prices for their trees have held steady this season, shoppers are seeing a different story on the artificial side. Many imported plastic trees have become more expensive due to new tariffs, narrowing the price gap between faux and fresh.

Tariffs are reshaping the price gap

Most artificial Christmas trees are manufactured in Asia. Earlier this year, new tariffs boosted import costs that had previously been near zero, with rates landing roughly in the 20% to 30% range depending on the country of origin. Those added costs are filtering through to store shelves.

Chris Butler, CEO of the National Tree Company, says his company has absorbed some of the increases but has had to pass part of them along. He estimates that an artificial tree that used to cost around $100 now runs $10 to $15 more because of tariffs. Even so, he notes that artificial trees remain the majority choice in the U.S., estimating that about 85% of households still opt for faux.

Butler and others in the artificial tree industry are urging policymakers to consider tariff relief. Their argument: artificial trees rely on raw materials that are not readily available in the U.S., and should be treated similarly to certain imported goods that have been exempted from recent trade actions. Until policies change, however, consumers can expect at least some of those added costs to stick.

Why real trees are having a moment

For many families, the choice isn’t only about price—it’s about tradition. At Dutchman Tree Farms, the Peña family chose an eight-foot Fraser fir to center their holiday celebrations. The fresh pine scent, they said, brings back memories from childhood and sets the tone for the season.

That sensory experience is a big part of the appeal for growers. They point to the fragrance, the ritual of picking out a tree together, and the joy of bringing a living symbol of the holiday into the home—benefits that artificial trees don’t replicate. Farmers also emphasize that real trees are grown by family operations across North America, supporting local jobs and rural communities.

Importantly, some real-tree growers say their prices have remained steady this year, even as artificial tree prices have edged up. Taken together, tariffs on imported faux trees and stable pricing on fresh ones could nudge more shoppers toward the real thing.

What to consider when choosing your tree

• Budget: A typical $100 artificial tree may now cost $110–$115, depending on origin and retailer. Real tree prices vary by region, species, and size, but some farms report no increase this season.
• Experience: Real trees offer the scent, texture, and tradition many families love, plus the outing to a farm or lot. Artificial trees offer convenience, reusability, and easy setup.
• Longevity vs. seasonality: Artificial trees can last multiple years, but the upfront cost is higher. Real trees are a once-a-year purchase and require care to stay fresh through the season.
• Availability: Popular sizes and species can sell out quickly at both farms and retailers. Shopping early can help ensure more choices.

The takeaway

Tariffs on imported artificial trees have nudged prices upward, making real, locally grown Christmas trees a more attractive option for some shoppers this year. For those seeking the fragrance and tradition of a fresh tree—along with the satisfaction of supporting family farms—the scales may tip toward going real. For others, the convenience and reusability of artificial trees will still win out.

Either way, the holiday centerpiece remains the same: a tree that brings people together. And for growers like those at Dutchman Tree Farms, that shared joy is exactly what they’re selling.