Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Ecology Foundation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
This coming holiday season, Russians will have access to approximately 500,000 live conifers, 70% of which will be domestically grown. The Russian Agricultural Bank's Sustainable Development Center has recorded a growing interest among Russians in potted conifers, fir tree decorations, and tree rental services.
Volumes of procurement and structure of domestic supply
In Russia, the harvesting of coniferous trees for the New Year holidays begins as early as late October, with sales of natural trees peaking in mid-December. According to estimates from the Center for Sustainable Development of the Russian Agricultural Bank, Russian producers will harvest approximately 350,000 live New Year trees. Spruce remains the leader, accounting for approximately 55%, followed by pine (35%) and fir (10%).
Geography of the New Year's forest: from Altai to the Leningrad region
The Siberian Federal District accounts for approximately 30% of the market, supplying approximately 100,000 trees. Harvesting takes place in the Altai and Krasnoyarsk Krais, the Kemerovo, Omsk, and Novosibirsk Oblasts, as well as the republics of Tyva and Khakassia. Each region harvests between 4,000 and 15,000 trees annually. Fir and spruce branches are harvested exclusively from trees harvested in logging areas—this practice reduces the impact on ecosystems.
The Volga Federal District is adding another 90,000 trees, with contributions coming from Kirov Oblast, Perm Krai, Bashkortostan, and Tatarstan.
The Northwest harvests about 60 thousand, half of which is in the Leningrad Region.
The Ural regions will provide up to 30,000 trees, and the Far East, Central Russia, and the South together will provide up to 50,000 more.
Coniferous trees are harvested from forest lands—more than 80% of the volume is generated through forest leases and purchase and sale agreements. Meanwhile, the share of businesses—specialized nurseries—is gradually growing, increasing their supply of ornamental and planting formats.
Holiday trends: potted conifers and natural arrangements
The popularity and demand for alternative living Christmas trees and decorations is growing, including Nobilis spruce branches and various potted conifers, including juniper, cypress, thuja, and Konika spruce. According to estimates from the Russian Agricultural Bank's Center for Sustainable Development, demand for these types of Christmas decorations has already increased 1.5 times in the 2025/2026 season compared to 2024/2025.
"According to our estimates, approximately 60% of Russian families choose artificial trees or other types of Christmas decorations for their homes. We're also seeing a growing interest in potted conifers and decorative elements made from spruce branches, highlighting Russians' desire to decorate their homes with natural décor without harming the environment. Furthermore, the Central Federal District is seeing a booming trend in renting designer-designed artificial Christmas trees—the number of offers for this service has already doubled this season," notes Natalia Khudyakova, Head of the Sustainable Development Center at Rosselkhozbank.
External supplies: the market is shifting towards local supply
Live tree imports continue to decline: no more than 150,000 trees are expected this season, down from 220,000 a year earlier. The main suppliers are Poland, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Germany, as well as Latvia, Serbia, the Netherlands, and Denmark, which remains the leading supplier of Nordmann fir.
Environmental responsibility in the spotlight
Most of the trees arriving at New Year's markets are harvested during forest clearings—in clearings and under power lines, where preserving the young trees is impossible. This approach allows us to combine New Year's traditions with care for forest ecosystems.
"Rosselkhozbank actively supports reforestation initiatives. In 2025, as part of the "Plant Trees" initiative, Rosselkhozbank's Ecology Fund planted more than 127,000 coniferous tree seedlings in the republics of Bashkortostan (15,000 pine seedlings), Tuva (10,000 pine seedlings), Leningrad Oblast (10,000 pine and spruce seedlings), Moscow Oblast (23,000 pine and spruce seedlings), Samara Oblast (14,000 pine seedlings), Irkutsk Oblast (17,000 pine seedlings), and Vladimir Oblast (37,000 pine seedlings)," Natalya Khudyakova, head of the Rosselkhozbank Sustainable Development Center, cited the Fund's data.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
