The University of New Hampshire’s Pine Tree State Poll found that most Mainers are choosing artificial trees over live trees.

The poll found that 27% of Mainers say that they will have a live tree this year compared to 37% having an artificial tree. Last year 35% of respondents had live trees and 40% had artificial trees.

The Christmas tree industry creates nearly $18 million a year in direct economic impact while supporting roughly 100 jobs, according to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

Other findings show 53% of Mainers are expecting a white Christmas. A little more than 20% of Mainers are not expecting a white Christmas and 26% are unsure.

The last time Maine had a white Christmas was 2021, when the state had two to three inches of snow, according to Spectrum News meteorologist Reid Lybarger. The following year saw less than an inch.

The last time the state had substantial snowfall on Christmas was in 2017, said Lybarger. That year, the state saw heavy snow, with even some parts getting over a foot. 

The survey also showed 66% of Mainers preferred to say “Merry Christmas” than “Happy Holidays,” which had 27%. Last year saw 60% of people preferring to say “Merry Christmas” over “Happy Holidays,” which saw 32%.