Christmas tree supply expected to be excellent this year following several years of shortages.
As the holiday season approaches, 2023 is poised to be a notable year for consumers seeking real Christmas trees, with an unexpectedly strong supply and favorable pricing trends, according to industry experts. The Real Christmas Tree Board reports that the current supply of natural Christmas trees is the best observed in a decade, paving the way for an optimistic holiday shopping experience for families looking to bring home a traditional tree.
A recent national survey conducted among tree farmers, notably including many from Pennsylvania, indicates that prices for Christmas trees are likely to remain stable or even decrease this year. The survey, executed in August, solicited feedback from wholesale growers who are responsible for approximately two-thirds of Christmas trees sold across the United States. A significant 84% of these growers do not plan to increase prices, with some potentially reducing them. This stability comes as a refreshing change from recent seasons, where supply shortages and inflationary pressures led to increased costs for consumers.
In Pennsylvania, more than 1,400 tree farms span over 31,000 acres, showcasing the state’s significant role in the Christmas tree market. Most of the trees sold in the Northeast United States, however, are sourced from Canada. The absence of tariffs on Canadian evergreens has contributed to keeping prices competitive this year, benefiting consumers.
Conversely, the prospects for artificial Christmas tree manufacturers appear less promising. Nearly all artificial trees are produced overseas, primarily in China, and have been affected by tariffs. An artificial tree manufacturer in California anticipates a price increase between 10% and 15% for consumers as a result of these customs costs, even with production expenses holding steady.
Growing Christmas trees is a long-term commitment, generally taking around a decade for a tree to attain its full size. This reality forces growers to make forecasts regarding consumer demand far into the future, while simultaneously managing the ever-changing challenges presented by climate fluctuations and other unpredictable factors. Although current drought conditions have primarily impacted younger saplings, mature trees remain largely unaffected, suggesting that this year’s abundant supply is secure.
The industry is currently in a favorable phase, with growers expecting a continuous supply of high-quality trees. Recent years have seen some reports of shortages, but experts assure that trees have consistently been available. Instead, variability in supply has sometimes resulted in certain retailers or “choose-and-cut” farms closing earlier in the season than anticipated.
As we look ahead to the holidays, the outlook for natural Christmas trees is positive, presenting shoppers with ample options and reasonable prices, a welcome change from the challenges faced in previous years. This year’s abundance of trees is expected to make holiday preparations more enjoyable for families nationwide.
