Renting peach blossoms becomes Tet trend in Thanh Hoa, prices hit $6,000

Instead of buying, families and businesses are renting old, uniquely shaped peach trees for Tet, turning the streets of Thanh Hoa lively.

As the Lunar New Year draws near, the streets of Thanh Hoa are abuzz with activity. Along major roads in wards like Nguyet Vien and Hac Thanh, dozens of shops have sprung up selling and renting out peach blossom trees -particularly ancient varieties with distinctive shapes.

Rather than buying outright, many families, companies, and restaurants are opting to rent these peach trees for display during Tet. After the full moon of the first lunar month, the trees are returned to their owners.

Doan Van Minh, born in 1985 and the owner of a long-established ornamental tree garden in Hac Thanh ward, has been in the Tet tree business for over 15 years. Initially, he focused on sourcing peach blossoms from well-known growing regions and reselling them locally. But over the past five years, rising demand for rare, old, and artistically shaped peach trees has led him to shift toward offering rentals.

"Every year, more customers opt to rent rather than buy, especially for trees with gnarled trunks, wide canopies, and aged bark," Minh said. "This year, I plan to bring in about 500 trees for rental. Since the 5th day of the 12th lunar month, I’ve already transported around 100, and 20 customers have placed deposits."

According to Minh, demand will peak around the 23rd day of the lunar calendar’s final month. Over half of his trees may be rented out by then. Most clients are loyal returnees -some rent the same tree every year.

Rental prices range from a few hundred to several thousand USD per tree, depending on age, shape, and rarity.

This year, the market faces challenges. Being a leap year, peach trees are blooming earlier, and unpredictable weather has led to fewer flower buds than last season. Despite that, ancient trees with unique, dignified beauty are still highly sought after, especially for large indoor or outdoor spaces.

In addition to the rental service, Minh has also brought in around 500 peach trees of various types for sale to meet broader demand. Many other locations across Hac Thanh ward are offering similar rental services, contributing to the vibrant ornamental tree market as Tet approaches.