By: Sabrina Spunt | Advertising Manager
December 12, 2019
Christmas is less than two weeks away, and people everywhere are starting to cram in that last minute holiday shopping and decorating. Many families have already went out and bought their Christmas tree, and those who have might have noticed a rise in price from previous years. This increase in pricing is due to a nationwide shortage of trees.
The cause of this shortage is the economic downturn the country faced in the late 2000’s. During the recession of 2008, many farmers could not afford to continue growing trees, so they either stopped altogether or turned to farming other crops that would prove to be a better investment such as hemp and hay.
Full-sized Christmas trees can take up to eight to ten years to grow; due to this, the recession that took place ten years ago is just starting to take effect in the tree selling business now. All the trees that were supposed to be planted weren’t, so the supply is shorter and the prices are higher.
“Some families may have a harder time affording a tree this year,” San Clemente High School junior Anabelle Sanders said. “I think Christmas trees are a staple for the holidays, so they should be kept at an affordable price.”
Although the effects are just starting to surface now, it is expected that it will continue for at least a two to three more years before we see the supply go back to normal.
“I believe it is really unfortunate because the spirit of Christmas is in the Christmas tree,” sophomore Brooklynn Hodgin said. “Although family and faith is the reason for the season, many families have a tradition of getting a fresh tree. So it’s unsettling to see issues in the industry.”
What’s also unsettling is that although the main contributor to the lack of supply is the 2008 recession, it isn’t the only factor. It can also be linked to climate change; the hot, dry summers and freezing, wet winters have made it harder for trees to flourish.
It is hard to tell exactly how much the prices have increased as of right now, but it could be as much as $20 or more per tree.
Good news is experts are telling people not to panic. In spite of the shortage of trees, everyone who wants a real Christmas tree will be able to find one. They should expect to pay a higher price, but they will find one, if not in their local lot, then the town over.
Leave a Reply