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Tariffs Raise Cost of Artificial Trees — Live Christmas Trees Gain Appeal This Season

Tariffs on imported artificial Christmas trees have increased to roughly 20%–30%, adding about $10–$15 to a typical $100 artificial tree. Dutchman Tree Farms in Michigan will ship over 500,000 North American-grown trees this season from its 9,000+ acre family operation. While about 85% of Americans still prefer artificial trees, producers hope tradition, scent and steady real-tree prices will make live trees more attractive this year.

12:08 PM, 11/27/2025Economy

Manton, Michigan — At Dutchman Tree Farms in northern Michigan, more than 1,500 workers are busy harvesting, bundling and shipping real Christmas trees as shoppers prepare for the holidays. This year the family-owned farm expects to send out more than 500,000 North American-grown trees from its more than 9,000 acres.

Scott Powell, who helps manage the operation, says the farm has held its prices steady and is counting on tradition and sensory appeal to attract buyers.

"Our desire is for folks to put a real live North American-grown Christmas tree in their home," Powell said. "Tariff-free, that's grown by families."

Meanwhile, imported artificial trees — most manufactured in Asia — have become more expensive after tariffs introduced earlier this year. Chris Butler, CEO of the National Tree Company, says duties effectively rose from near zero to roughly 20%–30% depending on country of origin, and that some of those costs have been passed to consumers.

"A tree that used to cost about $100 is now roughly $10 to $15 more," Butler said. "We want to be treated the same as other imported goods whose raw materials aren't available in the U.S."

Industry estimates indicate about 85% of Americans still choose artificial trees, but some shoppers are drawn to the traditions and sensory experience of real trees. David Pena, who selected an 8-foot Fraser pine for his family, described the choice in sensory terms.

"The smell triggers those memories growing up, and I just want to provide that for my family," Pena said.

Farmers like Powell are banking on that emotional connection. "It's the smell and the joy of bringing that real tree into their home," he said. "That's what we're really selling." Whether higher prices for imported artificial trees will prompt a meaningful shift toward real trees remains to be seen, but for many families the scent and tradition may tip the balance this season.

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