Christmas tree supply a little tight

Industry officials are recommending shoppers buy live Christmas trees earlier this year, especially if they want a specific type or size. Not only is the supply limited, but trees have also increased slightly in price. Last year, real trees cost about $78 on average, $3 more than the previous year.

What caused the shortage? Many families shifted to artificial trees during the recession, and live tree sellers are still trying to win them back. About a decade ago, too many Christmas trees hit the market, causing farmers to cut down fewer trees and plant fewer seedlings. Additionally, the number of U.S. Christmas tree farms dropped by 3 percent between 2012 and 2017, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Dig deeper: Find an Advent devotional to read by the tree with your family in Kristin Chapman’s reviews for WORLD Magazine.