Best Time to Buy a Christmas Tree This Year
Unless you are one of those people who decorate their home with Christmas fun before Thanksgiving, it’s time to turn your thoughts to the centerpiece of Christmas decoration – the almighty tree. But with supply chain disruptions related to the pandemic, getting the tree this year presents some unique logistical challenges. Whether you prefer faux or real, here’s when to buy to keep your (faux) fir game going strong throughout the New Year.
When to buy an artificial Christmas tree this year
It’s time to buy an artificial tree this year, basically … now. The American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) says, “Given the extreme weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest and supply chain problems in the US, this is not the year to buy a Christmas tree at the last minute.” Increased demand for consumer goods, raw materials and transportation, which could quadruple shipping costs this year, means there will be fewer artificial trees available for consumers to buy this season, and those that are available will have a higher price tag. … “
How much higher? ACTA reports that while the average artificial Christmas tree was priced at $ 104 in 2019; this same tree could cost about $ 131 this year. Brian Chi, director of portfolio business at Treetopia, told Consumer Reports , “We expect the prices of artificial Christmas trees to rise by about 15 percent,” due to higher shipping costs.
When to buy a live Christmas tree this year
Nintendo Switch isn’t the only thing you should stock up on Black Friday; The weekend after Thanksgiving is also the best time to buy a live tree. A living Christmas tree in a healthy and well-groomed condition should last four to five weeks . But take extra Hamiltons into your wallet – it won’t be cheap.
Not enough live trees?
While the potential shortage of true trees is not significant (most trees are grown here in the US and shipping overseas is not delayed), there are still some implications. A 2021 USDA report showed that planted area under trees in Oregon, the state that produces the most Christmas trees in America, has dropped 24% since 2015 due to an increasingly hot summer. As a result, Oregon fir growers have doubled their tree prices to offset their losses.
How to choose a fresh tree (and keep it alive)
When choosing a living tree a month or more before Christmas, it is important to make sure it is healthy so that it has the best chance of surviving during the holiday. Stauffers of Kissel Hill recommends choosing a tree with:
- Soft, flexible outer branches
- Solid color on branches and needles
- Fresh aromatic scent
- The bark is smooth, not wrinkled
Ask the farm to cut a fresh cut 1/2 inch down to the base before taking it home and watering it right away. Be sure to water it daily (if you don’t, the bottom may stick with juice and stop “drinking”) and keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources that can dry it out. Earlier, we wrote about how to properly care for a tree so that you can enjoy it throughout the season.