What to expect in real Christmas trees shopping this season

Nov. 30, 2022

By Sarah White – For the Herald

Worried about all the real Christmas trees selling out before you can get one? This year there are plenty of trees to go around, but you might find higher price tags on the trees you want. 

Constant news of global supply chain shortages and rising prices across industries have created uncertainties around this holiday season. However, the decentralized nature of the Christmas tree industry helps supply stay consistent. A survey by the Real Christmas Tree Board of wholesale tree growers across the nation shows little change in the number of trees available this year. 

“The real Christmas tree industry is bigger than any one farm, retailer, or region — and we’ve never run out of trees,” Marsha Gray, executive director of the Real Christmas Tree Board, said in a press release. 

While there has been relatively no change in supply yields, input costs have risen for growers and may be reflected in tree pricing. The survey by the Real Christmas Tree Board found that 71% of wholesale suppliers expect to increase tree prices by 5-15%. 

At the local scale, supply and pricing can fluctuate more. Growers are dependent on the local climate to determine what species of trees they can grow, and in Tennessee, some popular species like Fraser fir must be imported. Rising shipping costs could be reflected in the prices of this year’s trees, according to Laura Faircloth, Middle Tennessee Representative of the Tennessee Christmas Tree Growers Association, and owner of Pinewood Christmas Tree Farm in Franklin.

What does this mean for Tennesseans shopping for real Christmas trees this year? Local and wholesale retailers agree that everyone who wants a tree should be able to find one. However, Faircloth expressed the possibility of price increases and emphasized the importance of shopping early and being open to different species. 

In a press release from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Justin Diel, owner of Big Sky Farm in Sumner County and Tennessee Christmas Tree Growers Association executive director, quelled worries about local supply. “There are plenty of locally grown trees available across the state,” he said. 

“The selection may not be as great if people wait to the last minute to shop,” said Faircloth. Late November seems to be the sweet spot to find the tree you want without risking needle-loss before Christmas. 

“I would encourage people to look at other types and be open to different [species of] trees,” Faircloth added. Species like Eastern White pine, Leyland cypress and Virginia pine are well suited to the Tennessee climate and should be easy to find at local farms. 

The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) also advises consumers to shop early and be flexible. While there are enough trees to go around, NCTA suggests being open to shopping at different locations to find your ideal tree.

Locally, Boy Scout Troop 137 in Franklin will be offering a new service this year — Christmas tree pre-sales online for the first time through Nov.18 — to help you find your perfect Christmas Tree while limited supplies last. 

They offer free delivery to your doorstep in Williamson County or you can pick up at one their four lots — downtown Franklin, Site One Landscape, Westhaven, and Berry Farms. For additional information, contact Allen Henry, assistant Scoutmaster, at 615-294-9234 or email: franklinscouter@gmail.com.