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Demand for real Christmas trees could cause shortages

Posted November 08, 2007 10:00 pm

Christopher Gosek

It seems that every year people start getting ready for Christmas a little bit earlier. This holiday season, they may actually have a legitimate reason to do so.

It is reported that there may be a shortage of Christmas trees for the upcoming holiday season. Milferd Darling, owner of Darling's Tree Farm in Hannibal, said that a shortage may be likely. "It is a definite possibility. It all really depends on the variety of tree."

Darling attributed the possible shortage to the fact that many people have recently chosen natural trees over artificial ones. One reason that he felt was responsible for this selection change is the recent upsurge of lead paint issues in China. He noted that most artificial trees are manufactured in China and may contain lead, thus some people may not take any chances.

Furthermore, Darling noted that people are beginning to realize that the artificial models are somewhat less than environmentally friendly once it comes time to disposed of them.

Faye Beckwith, of Beckwith's Family Christmas Tree Station in Hannibal, agreed. "I just think people are starting to realize that the real tree is the better environmental choice."

Bob Norris, the executive director of the New York State Christmas Tree Farmers Association, felt that there was only a true shortage in the most popular variety of tree. "People in recent years have become infatuated with the Fraser Fir. It's become the Cadillac of our industry."

Norris attributed the low supply of Fraser Fir's to the weather experienced locally in the past few years. Beckwith echoed these sentiments, "With the drought we had this year, following the two very wet years prior, people just didn't get the volume expected. Not to mention many trees were lost."

Darling also referred to the shortage of Fraser Firs. "If I had 10,000 of them, I could sell them right now. They have become so popular because of their great needle retention, and they have a very nice shape for decorating."

Norris added that there seems to be a similar problem in the industry, with a shortage of wreaths. He explained that much like the trees, people seem to have their sights set on the Fraser Fir. "Most people when they call only seem to be interested in the one type. If there is a shortage, I would say it all stems from the Fraser Fir problem."

While both Norris and Darling only seemed worried about the shortage of the one type, Beckwith expressed concern for all varieties of Christmas trees. "I really don't see the shortage being limited to just that variety. I thought it was just the orders that we were receiving that were not being able to be filled. Then I started calling around and none of the other vendors I was calling were able to fill the orders either."

Darling noted that due to the demand being up and the supply being considerably low, the current pricing is favorable to the Christmas tree growers. The rate that a wholesaler would pay only 10-12 years ago was in the neighborhood of $6-8, while this season, depending on the variety of tree, wholesale prices range from $20-38.

Despite the lesser volume of trees this season, Darling did note that this wouldn't negatively impact the Trees for Troops program, which is done in support of U.S. soldiers overseas. "This shortage will have no effect on the program. I actually pledged more this year than I ever have before. It's the least I could do for these brave men and women over there risking their lives to protect our country," Darling said.

While the shortage of Christmas trees in this area does not presently appear to be a major dilemma, Beckwith did advise customers to, "Get out and make your selections early this year, just to be sure."

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