With Thanksgiving over, many households in the United States begin putting up holiday decorations and some buy a real Christmas tree. About 25 to 30 million real trees are sold annually in the country. Michigan is the third largest producer, and growers in producing states supply trees to both local and national markets each season.
This year the market for real trees may be affected by several factors. The industry is operating with record-high tariffs in place, and there are other challenges that affect production. Together these issues could influence retail costs for consumers, though it is not yet clear how large that effect will be in shops.
Bill Lindberg, a Christmas tree educator with Michigan State University Extension, works with producers across the state and spends time with farmers in their communities. His role connects extension research and practical advice with the needs of growers. Lindberg can answer questions about the outlook and offers information on industry updates, pricing information and practical tips to help care for a natural tree once it is brought home. Growers and extension educators monitor conditions during the season and share advice aimed at supporting production and keeping trees safe and long-lasting in homes.
Difficult words
- tariff — a tax on imported or exported goodstariffs
- producer — a person or company that makes goodsproducers
- grower — a person or business that grows plantsgrowers
- extension — a university service that gives practical farming advice
- retail — sale of goods directly to final customers
- outlook — a view or expectation about future events
- consumer — a person who buys goods or servicesconsumers
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How might record-high tariffs and other production challenges change the price or availability of real trees for consumers? Give reasons from the article.
- What practical tips or information would you find most useful if you bought a real tree? Explain how extension educators could help with those needs.
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