Searching for the Perfect Christmas Tree
Americans are expected to purchase around 25 million fresh-cut Christmas trees this year. Among them, the most coveted tree is the 8-foot Fraser Fir from Laurel Springs, North Carolina, which was sold for $145 in Lakeland, Florida, at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 30.
“It has to be fat with no gaps at the top or bottom,” Mason remarked as they examined various trees.
“It must be slim with no gaps,” Jackson added, carefully inspecting the needle quality.
Amy Hayes, their mother, followed them through the trees until they finally settled on the perfect fir that met all their requirements.
They agreed that the tree, priced at $145, was worth the expense.
“We’ve been coming here for several years,” Amy expressed, praising Booger Mountain’s tree quality over other retailers like Walmart and Home Depot.
Mason Hayes, 14, and his brother, Jackson, 11, search for the perfect Christmas tree at Booger Mountain Christmas Trees in Lakeland, Florida, on Nov. 30, 2024.John Haughey/The Epoch Times
Industry experts expect a robust 2024 holiday season with a healthy tree crop ready for trimming. Despite some challenges in certain regions, tree sales are projected to be strong, with North Carolina ranking second in Christmas tree production after Oregon.
Additionally, the Real Christmas Tree Board has surveyed growers nationwide in September, revealing positive responses about the quality and availability of trees for the upcoming season.
Transitioning to the issues faced by the holiday season, the late timing of Thanksgiving this year has impacted sales, with more vendors opening before the holiday. Tariffs proposed by President-elect Donald Trump on imported goods, including Christmas trees from Canada, could potentially disrupt the industry. However, opinions in the industry are divided on the potential impact of these tariffs.
