Christmas trees are selling out fast with a tree shortage this year

Finding the perfect Christmas tree may be a little harder this year with a tree shortage across North America.

Many local tree farmers say there has been an increase in demand this year that may force their farms to close early.

Justin Noonan, owner of Trees on a Truck, says the recession in 2008 is one reason some farms have fewer trees to sell this year.

“Ten to 12 years, that’s the duration it takes to grow a tree. There was a financial crisis in 2008 in the U.S. and farms got burned. They didn’t start planting trees because there was an oversupply,” said Noonan.

He says the COVID-19 restrictions and the weather have also played a role in the lack of supply.

“It could be five separate families getting together for a gathering, but now they might be getting five different trees as opposed to one tree,” he added. “If a tree gets frost damage it won’t be able to get harvested that year.”

Eric Rinus from Rinus Christmas Trees says they have the same amount of trees as usual because they plant their own. But he added they still may run out early due to demand this year.

“This is November 28 and this is the busiest we’ve been for this time of year. They’re coming out early. We probably will have to close early this year,” said Rinus.

The price of trees has also gone up between 10 and 20 per cent due to supply and demand.