The pandemic has made its way into our lives in ways that we would expect and ways that are completely unexpected. This year, the CDC is advising Americans to cancel any travel plans they have for the holidays, so more people are going to be staying home. As a result, more people are buying Christmas trees.
Since COVID-19 hot zones are popping up in various parts of the country, more and more people are deciding to take the advice of the CDC and stay home. They still want some Christmas cheer, so they are going out and buying Christmas trees in unprecedented numbers. This has caused the price of Christmas trees to go up.
Since the demand for Christmas trees is at an all-time high this year, people are even going and cutting down their own trees at Christmas tree farms. According to USA Today, the National Christmas Tree Association says it is more than just people looking for some holiday nostalgia, they also feel safer during the pandemic taking part in an outdoor activity. Bloomberg News also reported from the National Retail Federation that, since people are stuck at home as a result of the pandemic, they are more likely to spend money on Christmas decorations and other items for the season so they can celebrate at home safely.
It seems as if the higher prices are not just associated with greater demand. The borders between the United States and Canada are closed, and many of the lot workers are calling out sick due to COVID. Online orders and shipping have also driven up the cost because it is more expensive for those who are selling the trees.
The National Christmas Tree Association told Bloomberg, that in 2020, the price for real trees this year is around $81. Compared to last year, it is up 7% and up 23% from 2018.
A spokesman for the National Christmas Tree Association, Doug Hundley, gave an interview to USA Today, saying that the great recession also limited the number of trees that were planted. Since Christmas trees take about eight or 10 years to grow, there are fewer trees available now.