CHRISTMAS TREE SHORTAGE: How the recession had an impact on today’s Christmas trees and how we’re responding

Floral & Garden Blog » Garden Center » CHRISTMAS TREE SHORTAGE: How the recession had an impact on today’s Christmas trees and how we’re responding

In case you misread that headline, there is no shortage of Christmas and holiday spirit over here. Not possible. But there is a countrywide shortage of the most popular Christmas tree sizes and it may last a few years.

Here’s what this means for you:

We won’t have as many 6-8ft Fraser Firs this year (and possibly for a few years to come). We’re recommending that our repeat customers reserve theirs now to be sure they get what they’re looking for.

And if you’re new to Benken, we’d love for you to join in the festivities! Just don’t wait too long for your tree.

A few more things that are important to know:

You can call or hop online to reserve yours now.

Call 513-891-1040 or visit Benkens.com and look for the Fraser Firs to order yours. You can specify the size you want, and can even specify other characteristics you’re looking for, like irregular/natural look, skinny/fat, etc. and we’ll set aside for you for pick up next week.

The shortage is due to the 2008 recession and an 8-10-year growing cycle.

Tree farmers hit their stride in the 1990s and early 2000s with a booming economy, cheap land and labor, planting more trees to meet demand. And then the recession of 2008 hit. Tree farmers didn’t sell as many trees and had a lot of waste, especially in the most popular 6-8ft sizes.

The double whammy? Tree farmers didn’t have a lot of capital to plant more trees…the ones that would be full-size right about now. The average sapling takes about 8-10 years to grow to its mature size. Which brings us to today, and our Christmas Tree shortage.

You can always try another size.

If you have the space, you can choose from 8-9ft, 9-10ft, 10-11ft, even 11-12ft Fraser Firs. Or if you’re short on space, you’ll love the 5-6ft or 2-4ft Table Top Fraser.

And add to the festivities with other greens and gifts.

There is no shortage of fresh assorted wreaths, garland, DIY bundles and rustic, refined and totally unique holiday décor and gifts, like homegrown poinsettias, amaryllis and Paperwhite bulb kits, holiday houseplants and bouquets and more.

We hope to see you soon and keep it real this season, friends.