Which Christmas Tree Wins In Colorado This Year?

Choosing a Colorado Christmas tree is a big decision. An artificial tree often becomes a tradition. We get attached to them because we reuse them year after year. We wrap them up in memories as we personalize them with our families each Christmas.

If you had to buy a Christmas tree in Western Colorado this year, you may have noticed higher prices. Let’s dig into what search data, buying trends, and Grand Junction voices said about the “real or fake” Christmas tree decision this holiday season.

National Preferences: Artificial Trees Still Lead

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The American Christmas Tree Foundation has some news for us in 2025, and it’s that artificial Christmas trees are the dominant choice for most households. Their data shows 83% of U.S. households will choose an artificial tree, a trend that has held for more than a decade. If cared for and stored properly, they are convenient, durable, reusable, and easy to set up (for the most part).

What Colorado Searches Reveal & Western Colorado Buying in 2025

• While artificial trees dominate nationwide, Colorado search trends tell a more mixed story. According to BetColorado.com, statewide searches for “real Christmas trees” ranked higher than “artificial Christmas trees,” suggesting many Coloradans are still actively curious about fresh, real trees.
• KJCT8 released a list of Christmas tree prices across the Grand Valley this year, ranging from $100 to $185 for real, fresh-cut trees. At a time when budgets are tight, an artificial tree can pay for itself in a couple of seasons.

Why People Choose Each Type & Cost Comparison

The scent, the hunt, and the memories we make cutting our own tree are some of the best parts of Christmas. A Real Christmas Tree Board survey found 85% of real tree buyers say scent makes their home feel more festive. The American Christmas Tree Association says fake trees win on convenience and costs, especially if you want to skip the pine needle clean up.

Real trees usually last one season, but artificial trees can sometimes cost more money up front. If you can plan for it, it is far cheaper to get a permit from the Forest Service to cut your own tree in the Grand Mesa National Forest. We’re talking $10 per tree. Walmart, Home Depot, Amazon, and even local tree lots in Grand Junction were all charging about $115 or more for a 7-foot tree this year.

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