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Anyone planning on purchasing a Christmas tree this year should act fast, according to experts.
“Every year, we pay close attention to factors impacting the Christmas tree industry so that we can help guide consumers in choosing the right Christmas tree,” said ACTA Executive Director Jami Warner. In 2021, the organization notes, a variety of factors have influenced supplies. As a result, Warner is “encouraging consumers to find their tree early this year to avoid shortage impacts.”
Christmas trees.Getty
Chris Butler, CEO of National Tree Company seconded that advice. “The demand this year is going to be extremely strong and so I think from a consumer perspective people definitely shouldn’t wait,” he toldCNBC.
For live trees, weather events in the Pacific Northwest, where many trees are grown, were a major factor. Wildfires, drought and heat waves have all taken a toll on tree farms. According to theOregonian, some farmers lost nearly 90 percent of their crop.
Shortages of artificial tree have a different root cause, stemming from the pandemic, which has triggered supply chain issues worldwide as companies struggle to keep up with the high demand for consumer goods, raw materials and transportation.
These disruptions are also expected to significantly increase the cost of shipping and Christmas tree products, according to Warner.
“We hope that every person who wants a Christmas tree will find their perfect tree this year,” he said. “If I can give one piece of advice to consumers right now, it is to find and buy your Christmas tree early. "
source: people.com
