Christmas trees could become more expensive

Main harvest from mid-November Why Christmas trees are becoming more expensive As of: October 23rd, 2026 • 10:04 a.m

For many people, Christmas without a festively decorated tree is unthinkable. And the harvest will begin in just a few weeks. But one thing is already becoming apparent: If you want a natural Christmas tree, you'll have to dig deeper into your pockets.

In the upcoming Christmas tree season, prices are likely to rise compared to last year. The Natural Christmas Tree Association said that the running meter of the Nordmann fir, which is most popular with consumers, costs around 25 to 33 euros. Last year the price range was 23 to 30 euros. The running meter of a blue spruce will probably cost 17 to 22 euros this year, and that of a red spruce 14 to 19 euros.

“The price development is primarily due to increased production, personnel and logistics costs as well as the declining supply,” said managing director Saskia Blümel from the Natural Christmas Tree Association. The Federal Association of Christmas Tree Producers also expects similar price increases.

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According to the Natural Christmas Tree Association, the long dry summer had very different effects across regions. It was more difficult in southern Germany than in northern Germany. According to the Baden-Württemberg Christmas Tree Association, the drought has caused problems, especially with new plantings in the coming years.

“We had a lot of damage or, in some cases, a total failure in the spring,” said chairman Sebastian Fertig. "You'll only notice that in eight or nine years, when the trees are missing." The trees that could already be harvested were only affected in isolated cases.

According to the Natural Christmas Tree Association, the main harvest generally starts in mid-November. The first trees, for example for decorative purposes in municipalities, are sometimes felled earlier. These are usually fir trees that are higher than five meters. According to the association, Nordmann firs are ready for sale after eight to twelve years.

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Around 16 million natural Christmas trees are sold in Germany every year. According to the association, around 80 percent of the Christmas trees that are put up in Germany come from the Federal Republic. Nordmann firs in particular are imported from Denmark.

However, the supply of Christmas trees is declining because producers are reducing their cultivation areas or giving up production completely. “The reasons are rising production costs, increasing weather extremes, labor shortages and a lack of successors,” said Blümel.

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At the same time, the association observes that consumers are opting for slightly smaller trees with a height of 1.50 to two meters. “This also has the background, for example, that living space is becoming ever smaller,” said Blümel. According to the association, there is also a trend towards second trees, i.e. an additional tree in the garden or on the terrace.

However, not all Christmas trees are always natural: According to a study commissioned by the association, only a third of those surveyed recently bought a natural Christmas tree. Around 30 percent chose an artificial tree - and a similar number chose not to have a tree.

This topic in the program: The First | ARD morning magazine | Oct 23, 2026 | 8:00 a.m