- Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition, back in the 16th century.
- Many believe that Martin Luther was the first to add candles to a tree.
- The first record of a Christmas tree being on display in the U.S. was in the 1830’s, by German settlers in Pennsylvania.
- Thomas Edison’s assistants came up with the idea of using electric lights.
- In 1912, the first community Christmas tree in the U.S. was erected in New York City
- In 1923, Calvin Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which is now held every year at the White House.
- Christmas trees have been sold in the U.S. since about 1850.
- This year, approximately 27 million real Christmas trees will be sold in the United States.
- Over 8 million fake trees will be sold in the U.S. (About 80% of these are manufactured in China).
- Today, close to 350 million Christmas trees are growing on U.S. tree farms. All 50 states have farms.
- For every real tree harvested, 1 to 3 seedlings are planted.
- There are close to 15,000 farms growing Christmas trees in the U.S. with over 100,000 people employed full or part-time in the industry.
- The average growing time for a 6-7 foot tree is 7 years (It can take as many as 15 years or as few as 4 years).
- The tallest living Christmas tree is the 122 foot, 91 year old Douglas fir in Woodinville, Washington.
- Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington are the top Christmas tree producing states.
- Balsam fir, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, Noble fir, Scotch pin, Virginia pine and White pine are the most common Christmas tree species.
