Ho-ho-horrendous prices for Christmas trees in New York City this year are the result of a problem that’s been festering since the Great Recession, experts say.
The closure of Christmas tree farms across the country due to the 2008 financial crisis has resulted in a tree shortage this year, leading arborists told Gothamist. Trees typically take a decade to grow – meaning the shockwaves of the economic crisis have only been felt in the Christmas tree industry in recent years.
National Christmas Tree Association spokesperson Jill Sidebottom said farmers didn’t plant a lot of trees in 2008 because they didn’t have enough money.
“A lot of those [farms] that were smaller, medium size actually went out of business,” she said.
Several experts interviewed by Gothamist said rumors that the Canadian wildfires were to blame for the high price of trees are not accurate.
On Canal Street, a 6-foot tree was selling for $199 at SoHo Trees. At McCarren Park, the same size was selling for $129 at Greg’s Trees. Gregory “Big Greg” Walsh, the owner of the business, said the price of a 6-foot tree has increased 5% every year for the past six years, exceeding the rate of inflation.
“Prices have gone through the roof again. We were shocked, all of us guys that buy trees like I do, by the trailer-load,” said Walsh, who has lots in Manhattan and Brooklyn. “Long term projections was that the next generation might not buy as many, [but] every person in Williamsburg got a baby and everyone wants a tree.”
The high costs frustrated Babatunde Akowe on Tuesday as he surveyed trees at a lot in the West Village where 6-foot firs were going for $140.
“Working class people should be able to afford to celebrate the holidays with dignity,” said Akowe, 45. “With two young children, we’re making the sacrifice to buy the tree.”
The lasting impact of the Great Recession isn’t the only reason why trees are so expensive in the city, experts said.
The American Christmas Tree…
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