Supply Chain and Heat Wave May Cause Christmas Tree Shortage

(Issaquah, WA) -- Farmers and sellers across Washington are blaming this summer's heat wave for at least part of an expected shortage of Christmas trees. At one tree farm in Issaquah, mature trees are doing better than younger trees. Depending on the evergreen variety, it can take up to ten years for a tree to mature enough for Christmas-time harvest.

The American Christmas Tree Association is recommending shoppers buy their trees early, and expect to pay a little more than in years past. Supply chain issues from the pandemic and the weather are also resulting in a smaller supply than usual.