Each year brings back the familiar debate, real or artificial, but this season shoppers are seeing new pressure on the artificial tree market.
Tariffs on imported artificial trees have pushed prices up an estimated 10% to 20%, according to the American Christmas Tree Association, leaving some families turning back to fresh-cut options.
At Jackson's Family Farm in Fayetteville, the rush has already begun. Workers spent Black Friday, typically the farm's busiest day, wrapping and cutting hundreds of trees as customers looked for the perfect fit.
"We are Christmas tree shopping," said Lisa Horvath, who browsed rows of trees with her family.
For 13-year-old Christopher Robinson, picking a tree is an easy decision. "This one!" he shouted, pointing to a tall, full fir. "It's big, kind of fluffy. I can't even touch the top."
Horvath said Black Friday is a tradition for her family. "Every year on Black Friday, we go out, get our Christmas tree, and then we'll decorate it when we get home tonight," she said.
On average, an artificial tree costs $359; last year, a similar tree cost $299, according to the American Christmas Tree Association.
"Always the real tree," Horvath said. "The smell. We just love a real Christmas tree. We love coming out here and picking a tree and taking a photo with it."
Robinson agreed. "We like cleaning it up, and it brings us joy," he said. "The fake tree, nothing falls off. You have to reuse the same tree every year, and it gets boring."
Tree farm owner Brently Jackson said real trees remain affordable despite rising costs in other sectors. "They range anywhere from $45 up to $225 depending on the size and the thickness," he said.
As workers strapped the Horvath family's tree to the roof of their car, Lisa said the tradition means more this year as her young son begins to understand the holiday.
"We loved it," she said. "This is his first year that he's finally realizing what Christmas is. So it's fun. Now we get to introduce him to all our traditions."