Tim Daley and his son, Jacob, 9, carry their freshly cut Christmas tree last weekend at Lee Farms in Tualatin, Ore. Photo: Paula Bronstein/AP
The real Christmas tree industry, which has been battling increased interest in artificial trees, says Americans are flocking to fresh-cut evergreens this season, seeking a bright spot amid the virus, AP's Gillian Flaccus reports.
Driving the news: At some choose-and-cut tree farms, customers sneaked in well before Thanksgiving to tag the perfect tree to cut down once the business opened.
- Big-box stores stocked fresh trees up to a week earlier than last year. Walmart is offering free delivery for the first time. (Walmart will also hang your lights.)
Reality check: Between 75% and 80% of Americans who have a Christmas tree now have an artificial one.