Christmas Tree Sales Rise Despite Weak Economy

A Christmas tree is the center of all Christmas celebrations. And Christmas is round the corner, so most people would have purchased a Christmas tree by now or are thinking of buying one. This holiday season so far, sales were up since last year's dismal, recession-driven figures, the lowest since 1930s. In 2008, the price of a Christmas tree fell to a little over $36, from $41 in 2007. Like previous years, this year too, higher sales figures in the traditional, real Christmas trees market is expected compared to artificial trees.

Choose-and-cut farms and wholesale sellers, contrary to their expectations are seeing sales of Christmas trees rise this year, say many customers were preferring to buy taller trees. This season, pre-cut tree prices start from $25, while average choose and cut tree could cost $38 upwards, with table-tops costing lesser.

Many companies, this year, have ordered same number of real trees as last year, but fewer artificial trees in comparison. In 2009, consumers have indicated preference of 35% farm grown Christmas trees, as against 9% opting for a funky, artificial tree from a chain store. Though, the artificial trees last for more than a decade, they are not easily recyclable and end up in landfills. Moreover, they are more expensive than a real Christmas tree.

According to the Carbon Trust, a real Christmas tree has a carbon footprint of 3.5kg on burning or chipping or being spread over the garden post-Christmas, while a six foot artificial tree has a carbon footprint of 40kg, when sent to landfill. The carbon footprint of an artificial tree in a landfill, is still higher than that of a real tree at 19.5kg. So, you may not only not have to dig deep into your pocket to buy a traditional Christmas tree, but it is also less expensive for the environment!