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How to Avoid Spending More Money on a Christmas Tree

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If you haven’t bought your Christmas tree yet, you might want to get moving on that, because there’s a Christmas tree shortage this year. Yes, you read that correctly.

According to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), this Christmas tree shortage is happening throughout the whole country, meaning higher prices on the gorgeous evergreens. In some areas, the cost of your tree can increase by 10 to 15 percent — yikes!

Why is there a Christmas tree shortage this year?

Doug Hundley of the NCTA said that the Great Recession that happened nearly 10 years ago is the main cause for the shortage. “In those years, we were in a recession and tree sales were down, prices were down, and we weren’t planting as many trees,” Hundley said. We know that may seem like a long time ago, but evergreens can take up to 10 years to become mature enough to be cut, so our country is only now feeling this unpleasant side effect.

“In those years, we were in a recession and tree sales were down, prices were down, and we weren’t planting as many trees,” Hundley said.

How can I save money on a Christmas tree?

Now is probably a good time for you to compare prices at some of the local Christmas tree farms close to you to see if you can find a good price. But If you don’t mind waiting for a possible deal, here’s an insider secret: Pick up your tree in mid-December. A study from last year shows that the price began to drop on Christmas trees in the 10 days leading up to Christmas.

Meanwhile, the NCTA is encouraging shoppers to purchase their tree as early as possible. That way, they’ll have a wider range of options and a much better shot at getting a pretty one — especially if they do get stuck paying a bigger price.

In an interview with The New York Times, Hundley cautioned buyers that the selection in mid-December might not be the most impressive, but also said that it shouldn’t dim people’s holiday spirit.

“You can take a Charlie Brown tree and decorate it and it will look just as good as the prettiest tree on the lot,” he said.

The decision is totally up to you — and the time to make it is now!

h/t Travel and Leisure

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