Christmas Tree Shortage: GA Should Buy Early

GEORGIA — 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 Georgia consumers, it means there's no time to waste in getting to a tree farm 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, and expect to pay at least 20 percent more.

"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.

Tree farmers said the trees for sale this season were planted about eight to 10 years ago, and no one knew the demand would soar.

Dan Raulston, owner of Raulston Acres Christmas tree farm in Rock Spring, Georgia.

Last year, Raulston closed two weeks before Christmas because he sold out of so many trees he was worried about his supply for this year, WRCB said.

"I think we're going to see bigger crowds at Christmas tree farms," Raulston said. "Because of that 'We can't really find an artificial tree that meets our budget and what we like, so let's just get a real tree this year.'"

Raulston recommends families looking for the perfect tree start looking sooner rather than later.

The Georgia Christmas Tree Association has a list of tree farms online.

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.