Lifestyle

Christmas Tree Shortage Might Impact Your Holiday Decorating

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Tony Maples Photography

 

When it comes time for you to head to the tree farm to choose your 2017 Christmas tree, you might find that the selection is a bit “slim pickins’.” There is a Christmas tree shortage in the country and it might affect selection and price at your tree lot. So, this might be the year that you settle for what’s available at your local lot or go the artificial tree route.

Recession of 2008 Impacting 2017’s Tree Crop

tree shopping

Photo: Flickr/anthony_goto

According to the Charlotte Observer, the recession that began in 2008 is still affecting tree farms across the country. Because the demand for real Christmas trees was low at the time, farmers didn’t plant as many. Now those seeds have grown into fully-grown trees and there just aren’t as many to supply the demand.

Shortage Could Last Until 2025

Christmas tree shortage

Photo: Pexels/Tookapic

Because of the shortage, tree prices are expected to increase. According to a report from GWD Forestry, the shortage of popular-sized trees could last until 2025. They say droughts and wildfires are also adding to the shortages. So if you’re looking for a live tree, it’s better to look early before supply runs low.

5 Types of Christmas Trees Grown in Texas

Tree farm

Photo: Facebook/ElginChristmasTreeFarm

According to the Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association, because of the hot summers and warm nights, there are a limited number of Christmas trees that can be grown in Texas. Here are five varieties that the Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association tell us commonly grow in Texas:

Virginia Pine

The most common Christmas tree in the south, Virginia Pine (Pinus Virginianan) is a short-needled pine with pleasant pine fragrance, dense foliage and strong limbs for those heavy ornaments you want to feature.

Afghan Pine

Often found in west Texas, the Afghan Pine (Eldarica) looks a lot like the Virginia Pine. It has a mild fragrance and sturdy branches that are spread further apart, giving it a more open appearance than the Virginia Pine.

Leyland Cypress

Allergic to trees? We have a solution for you! This tree is a hybrid of an Alaska-Cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) and a Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) – meaning there is no pollen to irritate those sensitive to tree pollen. Just make sure to rinse your tree off with a hose when you get home to rid it of other pollens. Another benefit? This popular tree is dense with short needles and, if kept in water, will outlast any other Christmas tree without leaving needles on the floor.

Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is the traditional native Christmas tree that many southerners remember from their childhood. The red cedar is quite dense, has an outstanding aroma, a pleasant green color, and a natural “Christmas tree” shape.

Carolina Sapphire

Carolina Sapphire is a cultivar of Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica). Grown on a limited basis across the South, its best characteristics include fast growth, a beautiful blue color, and an excellent aroma.