Christmas tree costs, like many other items, have been climbing. You might be asking how to track down inexpensive Christmas trees.
In fact,8 out of 10 peoplesay they’ll choose an alternative to a fresh tree — such as a reusable artificial one — according to the National Christmas Tree Association. Yet, fake trees don’t always resemble (or smell) like the real thing, and plenty of folks still prefer a live tree.
Because it takes eight to 10 years for a Christmas tree to mature, expect to shell out a fair amount for a typical tree. Still, many favor a live tree over an artificial option because of the thrill of selecting one or visiting a tree farm. There are several factors to weigh when considering this emotional and monetary purchase.
With that in mind, we’ll guide you through how much live Christmas trees typically cost, whether an artificial tree can save you money over time, and how to locate cheap Christmas trees no matter which route you take.
Earn Fast Cash to Help Cover Your Christmas Tree
Real or faux, tall or compact, there are numerous Christmas tree choices. It’s a staple of the holiday season, so don’t let finances stop you from having the tree you dreamed of. Here are some favored quick ways to earn extra money to afford your Christmas tree this year.
What’s the Price of a Real Christmas Tree?
Christmas tree prices have steadily climbed in recent years. The trend is driven largely by supply-chain disruptions, droughts and wildfires affecting broad swaths of the Western U.S., and a shrinking number of tree farms nationwide.
According to Tree Towne, Christmas trees average between$45 and $800, based on the size you select.Reader’s Digest reportsthat prices continue to rise year over year, and the Real Christmas Tree Board says 38% of shoppers expect to spend more on a tree in 2024 than in 2023. The American Christmas Tree Association forecasts roughly a 10% price increase versus last year.
Real vs. Artificial Tree Expenses
Higher costs for traditional live trees may push you toward an artificial option. But fake trees can sometimes cost more than a fresh tree upfront.
For example, at Home Depot, you could pay about$80 for a 5-foot real Christmas treedelivered. Taller, unlit living trees approach $100 to $200 or higher.
An inexpensive artificial tree might be just over $100, while stylish options like those in West Elm’s catalogstart at $129. Small tabletop fiber-optic trees run upward of $50.
Rough math suggests that if a fake tree costs $200 and a live one is $100, you’d recoup the difference by using the artificial tree for at least two seasons (and save more the longer you use it). Since many artificial trees last several years, that can be a budget-wise long-term purchase.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference and how you want to allocate your tree budget.
When’s the Best Time to Buy a Christmas Tree?
For artificial trees, buying early is essential. These trees often have limited stock and are typically imported, so early purchases are likelier to find discounts.
Retailers usually display holiday merchandise by October, but you may find reduced prices on artificial trees when Thanksgiving sales begin.
If you’re hunting for a deeply discounted real tree, you might find the steepest markdowns a few days before Christmas as farms clear out less desirable trees. The downside is you won’t get much home enjoyment from the tree.
A better strategy is to shop for real trees just before Thanksgiving. Prices for live trees tend to be highest from Black Friday through the week before Christmas.
6 Ways to Score Cheap Christmas Trees
It’s early, but planning your Christmas tree now can keep more cash in your wallet later. Here are six strategies to save on a Christmas tree:
- Buy from a nearby Christmas tree farm
- Cut down your own Christmas tree
- Pre-order your tree
- Wait until late in the season
- Opt for a smaller or different tree variety
- Create your own homemade Christmas tree
1. Buy From a Nearby Christmas Tree Farm
Much of the recent price pressure on live trees stems from increased operational and transport expenses. Purchasing from a local farm can reduce those costs and score you a more affordable holiday tree.
Need help locating a nearby Christmas tree farm? Use thistree locatorto find real Christmas tree farms nationwide.
2. Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree
A beloved holiday custom is to cut your own Christmas tree. A wild tree is the cheapest option because it’s free.
However, it isn’t as simple as driving into a national or state forest and sawing down a tree. You’ll need to obtain a permit first from theUS Forest Serviceor the relevant state or local authority.
3. Pre-Order Your Tree
Several online sellers now let you order a fresh Christmas tree and arrange delivery for the holidays.
This can be slightly pricier than buying at a grocery-store lot, but it guarantees the tree you want when you want it. If saving time matters, you’ll spare yourself a lot of hassle when that tree arrives shortly after Thanksgiving.
Pre-orders usually open in early October, so you can check this off your list well before the holiday rush. Don’t forget to factor shipping into the total cost.
Some places to buy a real, roughly 5-foot tree online include:
- Christmas Trees in the Mail, $176
- A Tree to Your Door, $39+
- Home Depot, $90
- Christmas Trees Now, $95 (pre-shipping)
4. Wait Until Later in the Season
If you’re not big on holiday planning or hosting, buying late is likely your cheapest option. In the final week before Christmas, tree farm inventories are reduced and prices may be friendlier to your budget.
Just make sure the tree you choose is still healthy, particularly if it’s been sitting on the lot for a while and has begun shedding needles.
5. Choose a Smaller or Different Variety of Tree
Even the spindly Charlie Brown-style trees can be charming — and more affordable than fuller specimens. Look for tree species that give you the look you want at a lower cost per foot.
If you don’t need a towering tree for high ceilings, opt for a shorter live tree or consider small artificial, pre-lit tabletop trees. Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to holiday trees — don’t forget the topper!
6. Make a DIY Christmas Tree
If neither a live nor fake tree fits your holiday budget this year, don’t worry. You can craftstylish holiday displays that function as trees using inexpensive household items like stacked books, balloons, or even a decorated cactus.
Adorn your DIY creation with ornaments, a topper and lights to create a festive centerpiece for any room.
How Long Will a Christmas Tree Stay Fresh?
If your holiday spirit starts after Halloween and carries through to Christmas, good news: a healthy, fresh tree can last around5 to 6 weeks in your home when properly maintained.
Tree-care pros recommend the following to extend the life of your live Christmas tree:
- Make a fresh cut on the trunk when you buy it
- Cut it again for a new surface before setting it in the stand
- Use a stand that holds at least one gallon of water
- Keep the tree away from vents and fireplaces
- Lower the room temperature
- Use a humidifier near the tree in dry climates
- Water the tree daily
Finally, remove your tree before it starts shedding needles excessively. Dry trees present a serious fire risk. The last thing you want is to start the new year dealing with trouble with your home insurance company.
Jordan Miles is a former senior writer at Savinly.
