Tree shortage on the horizon as holiday season approaches, farmers urge customers to act quickly

DELMAR, Md.- With the holidays around the corner, you may want to snag your Christmas trees early this year.

That’s because there’s a nationwide shortage on the holiday staple piece. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, approximately 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold yearly. Now, with the demand this year increasing, the supply isn’t there to match it.

P & J Trees says they’re being impacted by the tree shortage as well. Owner Jay Bozman says when farmers plant, trees don’t harvest for about 8 to 10 years. Despite this, he urges customers to consider real trees as their purchase option.

“They are harvested every year but they’re planted every year like any other rotational crop. Once you’re finished with the tree, they’re easily recyclable in many ways. They’re used for dune replenishment, used for mulch and many things can be done with them,” P & J Tree’s Owner Jay Bozman said.

“Right now the trees that were planted 8-10 years ago no one knew the demand was going to be this high. I think they’ll be trees for people that want one but I would certainly suggest you get out early.”

Bozman also says the tight supply isn’t something farmers can quickly adjust to. Due to that potential dip in profit, P&J Tree Farms also offers wreaths, roping, and hand-made bows.

Their first day of business for the 2021 holiday season will be Saturday, November 27th.