AUGUSTA, Maine — The Christmas tree and wreath industry contributes around $18 million annually to Maine's economy, according to the State Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.
Matthew Quinn is the president-elect of the Maine Christmas Tree Association and owns Quinn's Tree Farm in Cornville.
The work that goes into getting Christmas trees just right in time for the holidays is almost a year-round task, he said. So, in addition to boosting the economy, the industry also has a variety of job options.
"There are all kinds of jobs, very physically demanding to very mentally challenging with marketing and accounting and all of those things," Quinn said.
Ryan Liberty is the current president of the Maine Christmas Tree Association. He said when you visit local tree farms, you keep that money in the local economy as well. That money can trickle down to other areas of commerce as well, Liberty explained.
"Typically they would have ancillary products to go with it, whether it's wreaths or ornaments in their gift shop, or garland and things like that," Liberty said.
Even other states contribute to Maine's Holiday economy, Quinn explained. "We ship them out throughout New England and even New York and places south," he said.
Looking at other times of the year, Liberty said these farms work year-round to contribute to agro-tourism. "Many of the farms that are members of our association not only sell Christmas trees, but they sell the ancillary products, the other Christmas-related products. But we have farmers that are in the maple syrup business as well," Liberty said.
Despite the lack of rain and drought conditions this year, Liberty explained that farms with the Maine Christmas Tree Association have ample supply.
On Monday, Maine Christmas trees and wreaths arrived at the Blaine House in Augusta. Gov. Janet Mills has showcased Maine-grown trees as part of her Christmas decorations since 2021.
It all starts at the Fryeburg Fair, when fair-goers vote on several trees. The top pick is sent to the governor's house for the holidays.
For the fourth year, a tree from Finestkind Tree Farm in Dover-Foxcroft was awarded the top spot in the people's choice contest. The prize tree will be decorated and part of the holiday decor at the Blaine House in Augusta.
Other award-winning trees and wreaths that will also be in the Blaine house this holiday season come from Quinn's Tree Farm, Pleasant View Tree Farm in Hodgdon, Watson Farm Christmas Trees in Standish, and Nutkin Knoll Tree Farm in Newburgh.
Tours of the Blaine House are free and open to the public during the holiday season, but reservations are required.