A Christmas Tree Shortage Is Happening Across America
If you buy a natural Christmas tree every year, make sure to bring some extra cash when you shop. People reports that the National Christmas Tree Association says there is a shortage of trees this year, and that might raise the cost for your Christmas tradition.
Apparently, the recession from the 2000s caused farmers to plant fewer trees to save money, or go out of business entirely. And because Christmas trees can take around 10 years to grow to their full heights, we're only now seeing the results of the economic downturn.
"Speaking to my grower, he said, 'John, I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to give you your entire order this year so you might start looking around,'" John Patton of Patton Christmas Trees told CBS Miami. "All the growers are saying, 'man, we're shorter than usual.'"
Because there are fewer trees, there may be higher prices when you pick out your tree this holiday season. Doug Hundley from the National Christmas Tree Association told News 12 Long Island that prices could increase between 10-15% in some locations. Prices might also go up because gas prices are higher this year, so it's pricier to transport trees across the country.
If you're looking for a deal, experts recommend you look for a tree closer to the holiday - you might have a smaller selection, but suppliers might cut prices to get rid of their inventory. "We believe everyone who wants to have a real tree will find one," Hundley told USA Today. "They may not have the size they want or they might have to buy a different kind (because) we have a tight market."
You could also always go the fake Christmas tree route.
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