CLINTON, CT — It's still early, but if you're planning to put up a live Christmas tree this year, it's a good idea to find out what's available from Clinton-area tree growers.
Here are some places to start:
Last year, the average price for trees bought directly from a grower was about $93, according to PickYourOwnChristmasTree.org. About 26 million live trees were sold last year, compared to 27.4 million in 2018.
A survey by the American Christmas Tree Association, an industry trade group, shows that of the 94 percent of Americans who plan to put up a Christmas tree this year, 23 percent will display a live tree.
Last year, live tree prices rose about 10 percent, largely due to inflation and drought, according to industry experts.
Years of extreme weather — drought conditions in some parts of the country and excess moisture in others — are expected to translate into slightly higher Christmas tree prices in 2023, according to a report from Country Folks Grower, a business-to-business publication that serves fresh market. and ornamental crops.
“A lot can happen in half a dozen years that can change the outlook for a Christmas tree crop from one season to the next,” the report said. “Farmers will face challenges in the 2023 Christmas tree season caused by developments in recent years.”
At any given time, approximately 350 million Christmas trees are growing on tree farms across the country.
It usually takes a tree between six and eight years to reach the desired height for decoration. Large trees — those 7 feet and taller — may be in short supply because sales of smaller trees have been strong in recent years, the report said. Also, people may have to settle for a different kind than what they are used to buying.
