Is it hard to find Christmas trees this holiday season?

Reporter: Rachel Cox-Rosen
Published: Updated:

It’s the time of year to buy a Christmas tree.

But one difference this year? The Collier County fairgrounds will not sell Christmas trees, citing a nationwide shortage.

However, other sellers in the area were able to get their Christmas trees.

Collier County fair manager said it doesn’t make sense to open their market this year.

“We would not want to have to raise rates to where they would be unaffordable for our community,” said Rhonda Ward, fair manager with the Collier County Fair & Exposition, Inc.

The fairgrounds isn’t the only one struggling to find trees but over off 9th Street North, Heath Christmas Trees of Naples is already setting up its tent and hopes to have trees ready to go by Saturday.

Collier County Fairgrounds say they won’t sell Christmas trees this year because of a shortage. (CREDIT: WINK News)

Holly Heath’s father Bob started the family business in Southwest Florida more than 50 years ago.

She know they’re one of the lucky ones; they’re well-established and not affected by the shortage.

“We’re always ready for all those extra customers. So bring it on,” Heath said.

Tim O’Connor is the executive producer of the National Christmas Tree Association.

He said the reason some sellers struggle to find trees and others don’t is that suppliers can’t accommodate everyone.

“It has to do with the fact fewer trees were planted eight to 10 years ago because the conditions then for growers weren’t extremely great. And it takes an eight to 10-year financial commitment to plant a crop of Christmas trees,” O’Connor said.

Collier County Fairgrounds say they won’t sell Christmas trees this year because of a shortage. (CREDIT: WINK News)

The good news? More and more trees are being planted now so the future looks bright.

By the way, if you should early or are willing to drive, you should be able to find a tree.

The not-so-good news? Because of inflation expect to pay 5 to 10% more for a tree this year compared to last season.

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