BETHLEHEM, Pa. — For Christmas tree growers across the Lehigh Valley, the rain this autumn fell just in time.
“This fall, we've had a lot more rain than last fall, and last fall and early winter was the driest I've ever seen in 40 years of growing trees,” Roger Unangst, owner of Unangst Tree Farms in East Allen Township, said.
“This year, there's considerably more water — not in the summer, but in the fall. We've had enough water that the trees are very well-hydrated.”
Black Friday marks the official opening day for many Christmas tree growers and vendors across the Valley.
After persistently dry, windy weather last year triggered concerns over the longevity of holiday trees — some vendors even urging buyers to hold off until closer to Christmas — this year’s crop is shaping up well, growers said, with many different varieties available.
“ … As far as needle retention for Christmas and keepability on a cut tree, we are in good shape.”Glenn Beers, owner of Old Homestead Tree Farm in Lehighton
“If we had ample rainfall throughout the season, we would have seen a little bit more growth in the trees, both vertical and lateral,” Glenn Beers, owner of Old Homestead Tree Farm in Lehighton, said.
“ … As far as needle retention for Christmas and keepability on a cut tree, we are in good shape.”
Did dry weather affect this year’s crop?
It was a drier-than-average summer in the Lehigh Valley, with substantial rainfalls few and far between.
But, even with the deluges, the region is still below average for precipitation for the year.
As of mid-November, the majority of both Lehigh and Northampton counties were classified as in moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
While this year’s crop benefited from the September rains, only time will tell how younger plants fared during this year’s growing season, tree farmers said. It can take up to a decade to grow a Christmas tree.
“What we're going to notice is, maybe in the springtime, with some young plants that were just planted, they may not thrive this spring because they were under stress from over the summer,” Beers said.
“They survived the summer, but this spring will be the teller on those young plants if they're going to make it.”
Younger trees are most susceptible to drought conditions.
“The older they get, the less susceptible, because the roots go deeper,” Unangst said.
Three decades ago, Unangst added a trickle irrigation system — a strategy to protect young trees against drought.
“It costs a lot of money, but we can keep them alive,” he said. “Prior to 1994, we would lose them in a drought, but now, because we are able to irrigate the small trees, we don't lose them anymore if it does get to drought.”
Artificial trees more expensive this year
While the vast majority of households across the U.S. buy an artificial holiday tree, there are several reasons why residents this year might choose to buy a natural tree from a local vendor.
Results of a national survey, released in October, through the American Christmas Tree Association found that 83% of households planning to display a Christmas tree this season will choose an artificial one.
“The data confirms that artificial trees have become the standard in American holiday decorating,” said Jami Warner, executive director of the American Christmas Tree Association, in a news release.
“Families appreciate their reliability, ease of setup, and the range of options available — from high-end pre-lit models to traditional evergreen styles and colorful and fun styles. There’s a perfect tree out there for everyone.”
The fake vs. natural tree debate has been ongoing for more than a decade.
While it might seem counterintuitive, harvesting holiday trees year after year is actually better for the environment than using an artificial one, especially amid the proliferation of plastic piling up in landfills.
And, artificial trees are expected to be more expensive and in short supply this year due to tariffs put in place by President Donald Trump.
A majority of Christmas decorations — 87% — come from China, according to the ACTA, and those goods have been subject to increased tariffs.
A recent report from NPR showed artificial trees could cost 10% to 15% more this year than last.
“Retailers are now warning that consumers may see higher prices and fewer choices on the shelves this November and December,” Warner said in a July news release.
“I’m sorry to say that families who count on these traditions will feel the impact.”
Keeping trees lush
Residents who plan to buy a natural tree this Black Friday shouldn’t have to worry too much about it staying lush throughout the holiday season, growers said.
“As long as you pick the right species,” Beer said. “Don't pick a Norway spruce, for instance, because trying to get that to last 30 days in the house without losing needles is a big, big chore.
“But if you pick one of the firs — a Fraser fir, Canaan fir, Douglas fir — those types of trees, you should not have a problem with needle keepability as long as you keep watering it, do not let it go dry, keep it away from a direct heat source in the house — you should be fine.”
And, plain tap water is the best way to hydrate a tree, both Unangst and Beers said — disregard advice to add sugar, aspirin or other chemicals to increase longevity.
“The only guy that's making money and feels good is the guy that sold that to you.”Glenn Beers, owner of Old Homestead Tree Farm in Lehighton
“In 40 years, we've heard everything from aspirin to sugar to Clorox, those needle keepability products that you buy, that you dump in,” Beers said.
“The only guy that's making money and feels good is the guy that sold that to you.”
Timing the purchase also depends on how long residents want to keep their tree up.
Unangst said he and his wife put their tree up closer to Christmas, but then leave it until the Super Bowl.
"If you're the type of family that New Year's Day comes and you want that tree gone because you moved on to the next holiday, it doesn't matter — Black Friday or the weekend after,” he said.
“If you want to leave that tree up until January, the middle of January or into January, you can wait a week.”
It might also be wise to wait a week to avoid crowds, he added.
“As far as family time, as far as memories, as far as picture opportunities, it's a lot calmer the second weekend than it is the first weekend.”Roger Unangst, owner of Unangst Tree Farms in East Allen Township
“It's sort of a newer tradition to cut their tree on Black Friday,” he said. “Fifteen years ago, actually the second weekend in December was our busiest week, and it sort of migrated to Black Friday.
“As far as family time, as far as memories, as far as picture opportunities, it's a lot calmer the second weekend than it is the first weekend.”
Both Unangst and Old Homestead are opening Black Friday, each with their own traditions and celebrations. For more details, go to their respective websites.
