Christmas tree shortage linked back to 2008 recession

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Photo: WINK News

This year, you might notice fewer Christmas trees for sale, and that shortage traces it’s roots to the economic recession in 2008.

Clare and Aubrey Murnane say they always look forward to the day after Thanksgiving which is when they begin a special shopping mission to find their tree for the holiday.

“Most of the time we pick the biggest one…and the fattest,” they said. “Christmas is my favorite holiday so the Christmas tree is such a big part of it.”

For some families, the tree is the ultimate symbol of the holiday spirit, but this year, it might be a little harder to find that perfect tree.

Al Mueller has been in the Christmas tree selling business for 27 years here in Southwest Florida, he owns Uncle Al’s Christmas Trees. He says due to the 2008 recession, people bought fewer trees so farmers planted less of them.

Al Mueller, Uncle Al’s Christmas Trees Owner.

“Last year we were able to bring in approximately 4,800 trees for three locations, this year we were only able to get our hands on about 2,100,” he said.

This year, he had to close two of his locations due to the shortage.

“In mid-September we came to the realization that the trees were just not available,” he said. “It wasn’t until 2012 that there was enough money being generated by the farms again to start planting once again.”

He says that it is possible to feel the tree shortage for another three to four years.

“It’s probably gonna be 2021 before we see it work through the cycle,” he said.

But for now, Mueller’s advice is to act fast and get your tree sooner than later. Or there might not be trees left to purchase.

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