Over the past few years, the live Christmas tree industry faced several challenges, ranging from the supply chain to climate. One issue affecting many businesses across the United States is continuing freight/shipping/logistics/supply chain slowdowns. In addition, some places that sell Christmas trees, but purchase them from other sources, like farms, are experiencing issues with getting enough trees shipped to them in time. Another reason for a potential shortage is the climate and weather.
The summer of 2022 was arid, with many countries experiencing drought. These drought conditions significantly impacted plant development. Growing Christmas trees requires, patience, as trees take around ten years to mature and need specific soil conditions to thrive: if the soil is too wet, issues like root rot occur; if the soil is too dry, the trees can get stunted. Because of the dry summer earlier this year, Christmas tree farmers had to tap into other irrigation methods to keep their supply healthy. As a precaution, farmers often plant more trees than necessary to mitigate losing trees. However, the length and severity of this year’s drought may have resulted in limited Christmas tree stock.
Fraser Fir
The Fraser fir is native to the Appalachian Mountains in the Southeastern U.S. The Fraser fir is one of the most popular species for Christmas trees. Named after Scottish botanist John Fraser, the tree has several characteristics that make it a good choice for a Christmas tree.
- Strong limbs to retain shape
- Soft, dark-green needles so your fingers will stay safe hanging the ornaments
- Mild, pleasant fragrance, which is good for people with allergy concerns
- Compact form and size for easy transportation
Turkish Fir
The Turkish fir makes an excellent choice for people looking for a more exotic Christmas tree. Turkish firs are native to a single region in the entire world, Mount Ida in northwestern Turkey, and have traits that make this species an increasingly popular choice for homeowners.
- Short, deep green needles that stick upward, revealing a bright, silvery underside and creating a flashy two-tone effect
- Short, deep green needles that stick upward, revealing a bright, silvery underside and creating a flashy two-tone effect
- A waxy texture to the needles helps restrict fragrances, which is good for those with allergies or sensitivities
- Sturdy branches give the tree a conical shape, with a dense foliage