South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
How to save with higher Christmas tree prices
Perhaps the Grinch pinched little Cindy Lou Who’s Christmas tree because of rising prices.
Real tree prices are up this year, thanks to the Great Recession. That’s because it takes up to 10 years for a 7-foot tree to grow, and fewer farmers planted trees n 2008 when the economy contracted, sellers and growers say.
“This year, we are charging $10 more for trees,” says Terry Jorgensen, 43, of Happy Holiday Christmas Trees in Fort Lauderdale. He blames the tight supply on the recession combined with increased shipping costs. Last year, he increased prices by $10, too.
Jorgensen has been selling trees for six years on a vacant lot at 1555 N. Federal Highway. Sixfoot trees are $70 and
7-foot trees, the most popular size, are $80. After that, the price rises exponentially for each foot. A 9-footer is $140 and a monster 13-footer is a whopping $550 because it takes 18 years grow, he says.
Jorgensen, of Pompano Beach, sells about 1,500 trees each season. He suggests not putting off your purchase this year. “If you buy too late, you’re not going to get a nice looking tree.” This will be his busiest weekend, he says.
Like most tree lots, Happy Holiday will be getting shipments until Dec. 24.
Bob Eaton, of Fort Lauderdale, was taking no chances on selection as he walked the Happy Holiday lot on Thursday looking for the perfect specimen. Then, he came upon a compact noble fir, known for its beautiful symmetry and citrusy fragrance.
A 7-footer imported from Oregon costs $109, Jorgensen says. Most Frasier firs on the lot are from North Carolina.
“I’ve been coming here for years,” says Eaton. “They cost a bit more, but it’s worth it because the trees are so fresh.”
Tim O’Connor, executive director for the nonprofit National Christmas Tree Association, confirmed there is a tighter supply this year. “But it’s not a shortage. Everyone who wants a tree will be able
to get one, but they might be more expensive.”
The NCTA represents hundreds of farms, 29 state and regional associations and nearly 4,000 affiliated businesses that grow and sell trees or provide related services.
Besides fewer trees being planted 10 years ago, fuel prices and driver availability also contributes to higher costs, O’Connor says.
Last year, 27.4 million trees were sold and the association estimates the same number will be sold this year.
My family has always had real trees, but last year, I purchased a prelit tree at Target because we were traveling out of the country soon after Christmas and I wanted to make things easy.
This year, my husband is insisting we get a real tree again. But higher costs and the hassle of bringing it home and hauling it out after the holiday may persuade him to let me set up the fake one. I love the ease of pulling it out of the box and plugging it in, but I do miss the wonderful aroma of a fresh tree.
Those who don’t want to hassle with transporting the tree home can get theirs delivered for $60, Jorgensen says. Happy Holiday also offers concierge service for $160, which includes delivery, set-up and removal. His crew even vacuums before they leave. Ask about that at the lot you shop at.
O’Connor suggests that consumers on a tight budget shop around. “Many budget friendly trees can be purchased at home improvement centers, super centers and grocery stores.”
Publix is selling 6- to 7-foot trees for $49.99 and 7- to 8-foot trees for $59.99. Home Depot sells 6-foot trees for $39 and $10 per foot more for 7- and 8-foot trees.
Or, “buy a four-foot table-top tree for $40,” suggests Jorgensen. “It comes with a stand, too.”
When selecting a tree, look for soft, supple needles, O’Connor says. “If the tree is dry and brittle, don’t buy it.
“Be sure to take a fresh cut of three-quarters to an inch off the bottom and put it in water right away, even if you’re not decorating it, to keep the tree green and fresh.”
Don’t let it run out of water. Trees are like fresh- cut flowers. They will wilt without water, he said.
O’Connor says not to bother adding soda or aspirin to prolong the life of the tree.
“Those are myths. Just use plain water. Not letting it run dry will keep your tree looking fresh. It’s not rocket science.”
Fore more tips, or to find a seller, go to RealChristmasTrees.org.
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