As lights and stockings begin to make their way onto roofs and fireplaces to prepare for the approaching holiday season, one key decoration is missing from many homes. This lacking element of Christmas spirit is none other than the Christmas tree. 2021 is being faced with yet another problem: a scarce supply of evergreens.
The decreased number of trees stems from an array of causes. The pandemic seems to be a common cause of many issues this year, and the Christmas tree shortage did not manage to escape its long list of victims. Because of the lockdown, many were eager to celebrate Christmas in an attempt to look towards hope in a solemn time. Unfortunately, last year’s record breaking sales created ramifications. Since evergreens take approximately ten years to grow to their full potential, farmers are unable to harvest a greater quantity within the span of a year to make up for the gap.
The lockdown also led to an economic crisis. Supply chain obstacles and labor shortages are highlighted in the financial downfall of the Christmas tree business. Other economic concerns were at play, such as the 2009 recession. During this time, a decent amount of both small businesses and larger tree selling operations went out of business or retired. This decline is being seen today as the ten year growing period plays out.
Another root of the problem is the increasing number of natural disasters deriving from climate change. Terence Chea of Associated Press news reports that two of the United State’s most successful Christmas tree farms were detrimentally affected by the record-breaking heat and wildfire in June of this year. The West is most likely to face greater shortages this year due to California’s fire rate. Floods, droughts, and excess smoke have also been found to be affecting farms across the nation.
Regrettably, a low inventory means higher prices for customers. Industry officials estimate American shoppers should expect to pay up to 30% more on trees than previous years.
Despite these problems, Jami Warner, executive director of the American Christmas Tree Association, argues that these factors are mostly affecting specific areas opposed to the country as a whole. The general consensus is that if shoppers branch out from their usual style of Christmas tree, getting a tree inside the house should not be as difficult as the rumours are making it out to be. The Christmas Tree Promotion Board advises to get an early start in tree shopping and to use sites such as ItsChristmasKeepitReal.com to find retail tree sellers nearby.
In closing, the scarcity of trees will put nothing more than a dent in the Christmas spirit. The high levels of joy and cheer that unveil themselves every December cannot be halted. Those who celebrate this holiday will undoubtedly be willing to work harder to fill their homes with the wonderful aroma of pine.
