Christmas trees could cost more greenbacks
Jul 25, 2012, 7:31 AM | Updated: 7:31 am
PHOENIX — There are five months until Christmas Day and it might take that long to save up for the tree.
“It’s a crop and subject to mother nature,” said Jay Harper of Harper’s Nurseries and Landscape in Mesa and Scottsdale.
The drought that is affecting much of the nation has taken a toll on the Christmas tree supply. Arizona gets most of its trees from Oregon, which hasn’t been affected but some trees come from Wisconsin, which is experiencing severe drought.
Harper said Arizonans could be paying a few dollars more this year for Christmas trees and there may be some trouble getting exactly the tree want.
“There may be a shortage of a certain size or certain variety that maybe weather affected more. Maybe there won’t be as many number one grade trees of a certain type.”
And the drought isn’t the only thing that could boost the tree prices this year.
“Fuel and freight prices come into play as well,” Harper added.
Harper said tree farmers could hold the line on tree prices because of the soft economy and more people buying artificial.
