Christmas trees are expensive this year.
“As with everything else, the price has definitely gone up, and a lot of that has to do with freight,” says Beverly Welch of The Arbor Gate in Tomball.
Supply chain and transportation issues are the Grinches of 2021, adding to the cost of live trees.
“I would say they’ve probably gone up on average 15-20%. At least 15,” she adds.
The whole mess with live Christmas trees began with the 2008 recession, when consumers cut back on the luxury of a live tree and growers were left with product they couldn’t sell. Many sold off their land. Most planted fewer seedlings. And because a really nice-sized tree takes several years to grow, the impact lingers to this day. Add to that enduring drought in some areas and the ravages of several years of forest fires and supplies are very limited. 2021 has been a lesson in supply and demand.
“If you’re looking for a large tree, say eight to ten feet, you’re going to pay at least $250 up,” says Welch.
Gulp. Don’t forget to water it.
photo: Getty Images