The Real Christmas Tree Board says the majority of wholesale growers aren’t planning on raising prices this year. Executive Director Marsha Gray tells Brownfield Ag News that their annual survey questions farms that supply up to two-thirds of the Christmas trees grown in the U.S.
“Eighty-four percent said they were not raising prices at all,” she shares. “In fact, several said they’re actually reducing prices. So, we think that’s great news, that’s a great starting point for every retailer. We’re expecting kind of a level season for pricing.”
Gray says farms appear to be absorbing slight cost increases, with about a third of growers expecting to sell more trees this holiday season than last year.
She says there are dozens of varieties of real Christmas trees, with firs being the most common, and some regional differences.
“If you want to get a local tree and you’re in Arkansas, Alabama, Texas, Georgia, you’re going to be buying a Cypress, and they each have their unique characteristics, their unique fragrance,” says Gray.
Oregon, North Carolina, and Michigan are the top Christmas tree-growing states.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Once upon a time I owned a farm and my neighbor was a Christmas tree producer. I was always amazed and impressed by the amount of time and effort that went into his trees. From the time they were planted until the time they were harvested for sale was typically six or seven years. In the interim, they had to be trimmed, shaped, and kept free from pests and diseases. The plantation had to be well drained, mowed and well maintained. But the end product was beautiful. The fact that this year’s prices will remain relatively flat is amazing given the amount of inflation we have experienced in recent years.
Perhaps this is an opportunity for you to work with a local Christmas tree farmer to create your own mini AgPack®. How about a free Christmas tree with every purchase between now and Christmas? No tree farmers in your area? Not a problem! Work with a tree retailer instead.
