With the holiday season in full swing, the demand for festive greenery is higher than ever, and so is the need to keep it fresh from farm to home. Christmas tree sales increase every year and are estimated at approximately 25–30 million trees sold annually. Sales of artificial trees continue to climb thanks to their convenience and durability. Wreaths and garlands have become increasingly popular over the years as people blend timeless tradition with modern decor. However, this does not compare to the demand for poinsettias around the holidays. An estimated 70 million poinsettias are sold nationwide annually, and they’re among the most delicate plants to ship. This includes transporting the plant at temperatures of 53°F-57°F and watering it enough to keep the soil moist during transport. Even brief exposure to cold or rough handling can cause leaf loss, making careful transport essential. Like poinsettias, Christmas trees require specialized transport in dry vans or refrigerated trucks with temperature control. The high demand and specific handling requirements for all Christmas greenery make the logistics industry’s services necessary to make the holiday season happen.
Fun Facts & Preservation Tips:
- Poinsettias don’t like cold weather – they thrive in humidity and are damaged when exposed to temperatures below 50°F.
- There are over 100 poinsettia varieties, though classic red remains the best-selling holiday choice.
- Keep garlands and wreaths fresher indoors by using a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air.
- Garlands were among the earliest Christmas decorations, originally made from popcorn and various types of fruit. Since then, they have evolved to include natural elements such as greenery, berries, pinecones, ribbon, and more.
- The top-producing Christmas tree states are: Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington.
Many behind-the-scenes logistics go into bringing cheer and decorations to life during the holiday season. Given the complexities of shipping Christmas greenery, it is essential to handle these products with care and understand how to navigate the transfer process. At ALC, we understand how delicate and time-sensitive the shipping of these plants and trees is. We move quickly and efficiently, providing the right temperature and living conditions as they are transported from the source to your home this Christmas season.