Gov. Scott’s annual tree cutting celebrates Vermont’s Christmas tree industry

Gov. Phil Scott and Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts visited White’s Tree Farm in Essex Dec. 9. to celebrate the arrival of the 2022 Christmas season with the help of Vermont’s farmers. The trees cut during this visit will decorate the Pavilion Building in Montpelier, which houses the Governor’s Office.

“As we enter the holiday season, Vermont and its people, including our farmers, offer so many reasons to celebrate,” said Governor Phil Scott. “This is a time of year to take note of the good and unite around the true meaning behind each of the seasons’ traditions: Togetherness, community and hope.”

“We’re so happy to be a part of Christmas for many families in Vermont and beyond, and we are thrilled to have Governor Scott and Secretary Tebbetts visit our farm today,” Bob and Joan White of White’s Tree Farm in Jericho said. “A Christmas tree farm in Vermont not only brings people out on Vermont’s working landscape but helps preserve that land for our children to share the same quintessential Vermont experiences their grandparents did.”

According to the 2017 USDA  census, there are 3,650 acres of Christmas tree production in Vermont across 70 farms with a crop worth more than $2.6 million. Many more Vermonters bring to market Christmas trees, wreaths, garland and other decorator items each year.  According to Jim Horst of the NH/VT Christmas Tree Association, the impact of Vermont’s tree farms can be felt in many ways; “Many trees are sold to the wholesale market for ultimate resale throughout the region,” Horst said. “Others, though, are sold directly to the consumer, who enjoy the process of visiting the farm and taking part in the cut your own experience.”

“Choosing and cutting a Vermont Christmas tree brings joy to countless Vermonters,” said Secretary Anson Tebbetts. “Growing these beautiful trees takes care and hard work. Thank you to all the farmers for making this season so special.”

A Vermont Christmas tree can be found this time of year in many urban locations around our region. Vermont holiday trees have decorated homes in New York City, Boston and Philadelphia each year, with thousands of Green Mountain trees sold in urban pop-up markets. In addition, visitors to Vermont participate in our holiday tradition by hauling home freshly cut trees. Vermont’s pick-your-own crop offers many trees to choose from  visit vtchristmastrees.org/members-list.