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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — It's one of the hottest items each year at Christmas, but supplies are already running thin.
There's a nation-wide shortage of Christmas trees. Some blame disease, while others blame the heat—but Chris Gregory of Boston Christmas Trees told WBZ NewsRadio's Chris Fama the biggest factor was the economy.
"They had a little pause in '08 when the economy turned down, and I don't think they planted as many for one reason of another," he said. "Now we're feeling the effects of that, there is a shortage."
It seems the shortage is being felt mainly in other parts of the country. The Pacific Northwest, the country's leading Christmas tree growing region—has been facing shortages for years, and is facing them again for the 2019 holiday season.
Places like Missouri and Michigan are also facing shortages, and in New York, some are worried about a price hike.
But, Gregory says, have no fear—the shortage shouldn't affect New England too badly, since most local nurseries get their trees from our neighbor to the north.
"We have plenty," he said. "The East Coast, we buy our trees from Canada, so I think that there's enough here."
But don't be surprised if you go to your local nursery and find slim pickings. It's a short turnaround this year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and competition for the perfect tree will be stiff.
"It'll be intense," Gregory said. "I think it'll be very busy in the beginning, we're going to be very busy the first weekend and it'll stay busy."
WBZ NewsRadio's Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports
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