What do we think? Is this really happening?
There are reports of a nationwide Christmas tree shortage which is due to farmers planting fewer trees when demand plummeted during the recession in 2008, or going out of business altogether. North Carolina is the nation’s second-largest Christmas tree exporter, after Oregon, producing more than 20 percent of the country’s supply.
North Carolina Christmas Tree Association Executive Director Jennifer Greene says there’s a more limited supply of Fraser fir trees this year.
South Carolina Christmas Tree Association Secretary Steve Penland says growers have begun to plant more trees, but National Christmas Tree Association spokesman Doug Hundley says it takes around 10 years for trees to reach full height.
In the meantime, Hundley says, expect prices to increase.