Christmas tree supply comes up short across the US

(13 Dec 2019) LEAD IN:

Americans may need to trim back their Christmas tree expectations this year.

A tight supply means some shoppers will have to search longer for that perfect tree this holiday season.



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Ask Larry Smith when he plans to retire, and he'll point to never.

The Christmas tree grower has been selling Fraser Furs in the same lot in Lenoir, North Carolina, for 40 years.

"I hope they find me fell over dead in the tree patch. That's the way I really want to go," says Smith.

Smith's trees have graced homes across the North Carolina foothills and up to the White House.

Last year, one of his trees was selected to be the focal point of the Blue Room.

He got into the Christmas tree business while he was senior in high school, back when the Tar Heel state provided a mere one percent of the nation's supply.

Forty years later, North Carolina Fraser Furs make up 25 percent of the Christmas tree market.

But a yuletide market imbalance was created a decade ago, during the Great Recession and an over-supply of trees caused a domino effect.

Fewer trees sold meant fewer trees planted - that would be harvested this year.  

"Farmers weren't selling all of their trees. So, they weren't allowed to reset in fields where they normally would," Smith explains.  

Business is better than ever for Smith today.

"I've sold Christmas trees at this location for 40 years and this is the best year I've ever had," he says.

Although, Christmas tree quantities are tight across the country.

The shortage can also be blamed on hot weather and a new generation not as eager to take up the family business.  

"A lot of the farmers have gotten older and their kids realise there's an easier way to life. I mean it's a pretty manually intense product that we grow, you know," says Smith.

But he doesn't predict running out.

When supply on his lot dwindles, his team heads up the mountain to harvest more from their Avery County farms.

The hard work, Smith says, is well worth it at Christmas.

"The product you're producing is going to be enjoyed by families and you're hopefully going to make find memories during the holiday season."



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