Can Millennials Save Christmas Trees?

By Chris Lange Updated Jan 11, 2:58PM EST · Published Nov 13, 12:05PM EST

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Can Millennials Save Christmas Trees? — © kosmozoo / iStock

With November already in full swing, Christmas is just around the corner, and that means it’s almost time to buy a Christmas tree. This season marks the beginning of an early renaissance for Christmas tree farmers as the result of environmentally conscious millennials who are opting to buy natural, locally grown trees.

Square Inc. (NYSE: SQ), in partnership with the National Christmas Tree Association, released a report analyzing Square sales from thousands of Christmas tree farmers and sellers across the country.

Results from this study have shown that demand previously dipped when baby boomers turned to fake trees as their kids moved out of the house. However, there has been a resurgence as Christmas trees are part of millennials’ hyper-awareness and affinity for all-natural and locally sourced food, beauty products, home goods and more.

Local growers say they are also embracing millennial customers seeking out the perfect social media moment choosing or cutting down a tree.

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According to Square sales data, the report shows that Christmas tree prices increased 17% from 2015 to 2017, with the average price rising from $64 to $73. Industry experts from the National Christmas Tree Association estimate prices will hold steady this year, with plenty of trees to go around and that every consumer who wants a real tree will be able to buy one.

Square data shows the Christmas tree buying season kicks into high gear on Black Friday with an average price of $77, and prices spike on Cyber Monday, reaching $81. For those looking for a deal, holding out until the week before Christmas could save you about 22%. Prices for procrastinators hit an all-time low on Christmas Eve at $47.

Tim O’Connor, executive director of the National Christmas Tree Association, commented:

While prices have increased over the past two years, this is the first time in more than a decade that many local tree farmers are profitable. Now more than ever, we hope to see families support American Christmas tree farmers, and create their own holiday tradition and family memories of choosing a locally grown tree this Christmas.

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About the Author Chris Lange →

Chris Lange is a writer for 24/7 Wall St., based in Houston. He has covered financial markets over the past decade with an emphasis on healthcare, tech, and IPOs. During this time, he has published thousands of articles with insightful analysis across these complex fields. Currently, Lange's focus is on military and geopolitical topics.

Lange's work has been quoted or mentioned in Forbes, The New York Times, Business Insider, USA Today, MSN, Yahoo, The Verge, Vice, The Intelligencer, Quartz, Nasdaq, The Motley Fool, Fox Business, International Business Times, The Street, Seeking Alpha, Barron’s, Benzinga, and many other major publications.

A graduate of Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, Lange majored in business with a particular focus on investments. He has previous experience in the banking industry and startups.