Christmas Tree Shortage: What VA, DC Buyers Need To Know

VIRGINIA — A national Christmas tree shortage that started last year has continued into the 2021 holiday season, and this year is likely to be worse than 2020. For Virginia consumers, it means there's no time to waste in getting to a tree farm or lot, or store.

Last year, with people staying home for the holidays, was a record year for Christmas tree sales. That forced suppliers to cut and ship trees that normally would have been given another year to grow. While an expected increase in holiday travel may cut into last year's record demand, Christmas tree sellers are now dealing with record-low supply.

An industry insider is advising tree shoppers to snag what's available before it's too late.

"If I can give one piece of advice to consumers right now, it is to find and buy your Christmas tree early," American Christmas Tree Association Executive Director Jami Warner said.
"Consumers who delay their tree purchase will face limited selection and fewer options than in years past," the Association noted in a consumer advice news release.

Frans Kok, owner of Middleburg Christmas Tree Farm, told CNBC the changing climate has harmed tree harvests. Some varieties of trees he once grew are now under siege by a fungus that emerged with changing weather conditions.

“And so, the price of trees is clearly going up and that’s in part because we are low on them,” he said. This year he will pass on a $50 increase to consumers.

Consumers should still be able to find a tree for the holidays, said Jami Warner, the executive director of the American Christmas Tree Association.

“There will be a Christmas tree, both real and artificial, for everyone who wants to celebrate with one. It just may not be the exact kind, size or color you want,” she said, adding that consumers should get their holiday shopping done as soon as possible.

Jay Bozman, owner of P & J Trees in Delmar, Maryland, says those who want a live tree should shop early because demand is higher than supply. The trees for sale this season were planted about eight to 10 years ago.

“No one knew the demand was going to be this high," Bozman told WMDT. "I think they’ll be trees for people that want one but I would certainly suggest you get out early.”

The Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association has a list of tree farms statewide.

The shortage affects artificial trees, as well.

"The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing economic recovery has overwhelmed the U.S. supply chain with increased demand for consumer goods, raw materials, and transportation," the Association added. "Retailers predict that this overload could quadruple shipping costs compared to 2020. This supply chain overload means that there will be fewer artificial trees available for consumer purchase this season, and those that are available will come with a higher price tag."

Yet another you reason you may pay more for a Christmas tree this year: high gas prices, as shipping costs have more than tripled in the past three years.