As the Thanksgiving festivities wind down, many people are rushing to Christmas tree farms, local nurseries, or Home Depot to pick out their annual holiday centerpiece. But before you dive into the forest of Noble, Douglas, and Frasier Firs, prepare for a bit of sticker shock. According to experts, both real and artificial Christmas trees are seeing record-high prices this year, and you can trace part of the blame back to millennials.
A report from USA Today reveals that real trees have increased by up to $10 this year, while artificial trees have surged by more than $20. This year is poised to be the “most expensive Christmas tree season in history,” according to a data analyst from Square, a payment processing firm in San Francisco.
The Impact of Millennials
One major contributor to these rising prices is the booming demand from millennials, who are increasingly settling down, starting families, and looking to create holiday traditions. CNN notes that this generation is buying more trees than ever, both real and fake. While many millennials prefer artificial trees for their renewable qualities, there’s a growing trend towards purchasing real trees as well. Over the past five years, sales of real trees have increased by 10%, with an impressive four million more sold in 2018 compared to the previous year.
Supply Shortages
The hike in real tree prices can also be attributed to a supply shortage. According to a spokesperson for the National Christmas Tree Association, some growers are finding themselves with fewer trees available for sale due to the long growth period of these trees, which can take up to a decade to mature.
States like Oregon and North Carolina, key players in the Christmas tree industry, have been particularly affected. The roots of this issue can be traced back to the Great Recession a decade ago, when lower consumer spending led growers to cut back on planting. “In 2008, many growers either left the business or couldn’t afford to plant, and now we’re feeling the ramifications because it takes 8 to 10 years for a Christmas tree to grow,” explained Mark Johnson, co-owner of Evergreen Pine Tree Farms in Pennsylvania.
Price Trends
The National Christmas Tree Association reports that the average cost of a live tree has jumped from $36.50 in 2008 to $78 in 2018. Between 2017 and 2019, prices climbed from $75 to $81. The availability of various tree types also plays a role; for instance, the popular Fraser fir is currently in limited supply.
Tree farms believe they will have enough Christmas trees for everyone but are urging buyers to get their trees sooner rather than later. As for artificial trees, USA Today warns that prices are expected to rise again next year due to tariffs on imports set to take effect on December 15. So, if you’re eyeing one of those stylish ombré trees, you might want to act fast!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rising costs of Christmas trees this year can be linked to both heightened demand from millennials and a decrease in supply stemming from past economic conditions. For more insights into family planning and potential pregnancy options, check out this informative post on home insemination kits. Also, for an authoritative source on related topics, visit Make a Mom and for a deeper dive into pregnancy processes, see Wikipedia.
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