Unless you’re one of those people who bedecks their house in Christmas cheer before Thanksgiving, the time is nigh to turn your thoughts to the centerpiece of yuletide decorating—the almighty tree. But due to pandemic supply chain interruptions, getting a tree this year presents some unique logistical challenges. Whether you prefer artificial or real, here’s when to buy in order to ensure your (faux) fir game is strong through the New Year.
When to buy an artificial Christmas tree this year
The time to buy an artificial tree this year is basically...now. The American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) says, “With extreme weather in the Pacific Northwest and supply chain issues in the U.S., this is not the year to buy a Christmas tree last minute.” The increased demand for consumer goods, raw materials, and transportation—which could quadruple shipping costs this year, “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.”
How much higher? The ACTA says that while average artificial Christmas tree cost $104 in 2019; the same tree could cost about $131 this year. Brian Chee, the director of portfolio business at Treetopia told Consumer Reports, “We expect to raise prices for artificial Christmas trees by around 15 percent” due to increased shipping costs.
When to buy a live Christmas tree this year
A Nintendo Switch isn’t the only thing you should snag on Black Friday; the weekend after Thanksgiving is also the optimal time to shop for a live tree. When healthy and well-cared for, a live Christmas tree should last four to five weeks. But bring some extra Hamiltons in your wallet—it won’t be cheap.
Is there a live Christmas tree shortage?
While the potential shortages for real trees are not as dramatic (most trees are grown here in the US and aren’t subject to overseas shipping delays), there is some impact. A 2021 USDA report indicated that the tree-growing acreage in Oregon, the state that produces the most Christmas trees in America, has dropped 24% since 2015 due to increasingly hot summers. As a result, Oregon fir growers doubled tree prices to compensate for their losses.
How to pick a fresh Christmas tree (and keep it alive)
When selecting a live tree a month or more before Christmas, it’s important to make sure it’s healthy so it has the best chance of survival through the holiday. Stauffers of Kissel Hill recommends picking a tree with:
Soft, pliable outer branches
Even color across branches and needles
Fresh, fragrant scent
Bark that is smooth, not wrinkled
Have the farm make a fresh 1/2 inch cut to the base before transporting it home and immediately giving it water. Be sure to water it daily (if you don’t, the bottom may seal with sap and no longer “drink”), and move it away from direct sunlight and heat sources that can dry it out. We’ve written before about how to properly care for your tree so you can enjoy it all season long.