The pandemic is leaving its mark on the real Christmas tree market with an apparent uptick in sales, a compressed selling season and direct-to-consumer deliveries that are replacing some retail or Christmas tree lot purchases.
Shipping costs also are on the rise, as freight capacity remains tight and rates soar.
Nationwide, Christmas tree sales this year were projected at around 18 million to 20 million, but now are expected to clock in closer to 22 million, according to McKenzie Cook, owner of McKenzie Farms in Oregon and Happy Holiday Christmas Trees in North Carolina.
Oregon and North Carolina are the top Christmas tree-producing states in the country.
The Pacific Northwest sales forecast was around 4.5 million trees, but Cook now expects a seasonal tally of 5.5 million.
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