Written on behalf of PA Christmas Tree Growers Association

Each year 28-33 million American families celebrate the holiday season witha fresh, farm-grown Christmas tree.

The tradition of Christmas trees began in Europe in the early 1500s. As noted in the 1790 U.S. Census, one-third of the Pennsylvania population was of German descent, making the traditions of decorating a Christmas tree widespread across the state. During this time, families would find the perfect tree for Christmas by going to nearby wooded areas.

In 1851, an enterprising New Yorker hauled several loads of wilderness-cut trees to New York City, thus establishing the first Christmas tree market in the United States. Finally, in 1901, the first Christmas tree farm in the United States was established in New Jersey. Soon the industry grew and a need for sources of seed became paramount.