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Amazing Christmas Tree Trivia

Many of us love trivia (and Christmas).  It just seems to make everything a little more interesting.  Here are some fascinating Christmas Tree Trivia:

  • The first decorated Christmas tree was in Riga, Latvia in 1510.
  • Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United States since about 1850.
  • In 2002, Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Washington, New York, and Virginia were the top Christmas tree producing states.
  • Oregon was the leading producer of Christmas trees – 6.5 million in 2002.
  • More than 2,000 trees are usually planted per acre. On average 1,000-1,500 of these trees will survive. In the North, maybe, 750 trees will remain.
  • In the United States, there are more than 21,000 Christmas tree growers.
  • 100,000 people are employed in the Christmas tree industry.
  • 98 percent of all Christmas trees are grown on farms.
  • 73 million new Christmas trees will be planted this year.
  • In 2007, 23% of real Christmas trees sold were from chain stores, 9% by non-profit groups. 12% from retail lots and 21% from choose and cut farms.
  • An estimated 175,000 real Christmas trees are sold via e-commerce or catalogue and shipped mail-order.

Christmas Tree Trivia and the Environment

  • An acre of Christmas trees provides the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people.
  • Growing Christmas trees provides a habitat for wildlife.
  • Recycled trees have been used to make sand and soil erosion barriers and been placed in ponds for fish shelter.
  • Christmas trees remove dust and pollen from the air.

Above data provided by the National Christmas Tree Association (www.christmastree.org).