FILE-A shopper pushes his cart past a Christmas tree display at a store in Trevose, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Mergen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The Christmas tree is one of the hallmarks of holiday decorations in most homes and depending on your preference to have an artificial or authentic one, finding an economical version may become paramount.
Many factors like cost play into the Christmas tree search and one expert weighs in on what to consider when preparing to purchase that ideal centerpiece for your living room.
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Is it cheaper to purchase an artificial tree or real tree this holiday season?
Why you should care:
There are a multitude of factors to consider when determining the type of tree to invest in. And this choice can get dicey with the excessive cost of goods and services amid the holiday shopping frenzy.
"When you compare a one-time investment in an artificial tree against the recurring annual cost of a live tree, the savings add up quickly," Jami Warner, executive director of the American Christmas Tree Associations, explains. Recent data supports this: a 2024 survey found that 62% of owners plan to keep their tree for up to six years. By the second or third year, the tree has essentially paid for itself."
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In October, the American Christmas Tree Association published a survey revealing that approximately 83% of households who plan on displaying a Christmas tree this year will choose an artificial one.
The cost of Christmas trees is at the top of mind for many consumers, but ultimately, Warner believes that their affinity for having an artificial or real tree will outweigh what they spend on one. "Cost is certainly a factor, though consumers tend to celebrate the holidays with whatever kind of tree they most prefer. In fact, consumers are choosing to display multiple trees more than ever."
How much do real and fake Christmas trees cost this year?
By the numbers:
Whether you’re planning to buy an artificial tree or a real tree, the price is determined by the size of the tree and the tree type.
In 2025, the national average price for a real Christmas tree at a farm generally falls between $80 and more than $100, with the costs determined by the size of the tree and the type of the tree. Some tree farms even allow consumers to select and cut their own tree before purchasing one.
On the flip side, the going rate for artificial trees is similar to the price of real trees. For instance, major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon have an assortment of artificial trees and their prices are comparable, ranging from $64 to over $600 depending on the height and size of the tree.
How are tariffs affecting Christmas tree costs?
Dig deeper:
Conversely, tariffs are hampering the production and affordability of the Christmas trees this year, with the American Christmas Tree Association stating in November that artificial trees will cost an estimated 10 to 20% more in 2025 than they did last year related to tariff costs, the organization noted, citing several major importers in the U.S.
"Earlier this year, major retailers cut back purchases by 15–20%, which could lead to smaller inventories at retailers," Warner shared. "And real Christmas trees are facing cost pressures — including higher labor, transportation, and imported material costs — many of which are also influenced by tariffs."
Artificial trees vs. real trees. Which one is more environmentally friendly?
Local perspective:
Regardless of your preference, some consumers may base their Christmas tree choice on which one is more eco-friendly.
"Both artificial and live Christmas trees have different sustainability benefits. Artificial trees are utilizing more sustainable materials, including plant-based and recycled plastics. A 2018 Life Cycle Assessment revealed that artificial Christmas trees are the greener choice if reused for five years," Warner said.
"Most owners use their artificial tree for an average of 10 years. This has a more favorable environmental impact than buying and disposing of a real tree each year. Overall, the environmental impact of both real and artificial Christmas trees is negligible, especially compared to everyday activities like driving a car."
Exploring Christmas tree options this holiday season
Big picture view:
And if you’re still in the market for a Christmas tree, Warner offers this advice to consumers. "As we do every year, we are encouraging consumers to choose the best tree to celebrate a great Christmas, whether it's a real or an artificial one. We've seen a trend towards celebrating with multiple trees, perhaps a mix of real and artificial, and we're here for that trend! The more, the merrier. Tall, short, green, flocked, Charlie Brown, all Christmas trees are beautiful."
The Source: Information for this story was provided from comments courtesy of Jami Warner, Executive Director of the American Christmas Tree Association. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.