For these searching for some excellent news this vacation season, Christmas tree costs in Northern California are anticipated to remain near final yr’s ranges, in response to the California Christmas Tree Affiliation.
No gloom might dampen the vacation spirit of the Cruickshank household, who had the possibility to expertise the candy, citrusy scent of Douglas firs as they arrived at Santa’s Tree Farm and Village in Half Moon Bay on Wednesday.
Cradled by the verdant State Route 92, the 487-acre choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm, owned and operated by Dan and Natalie Sare, has been a staple of the neighborhood for half a century. For the Cruickshank household, who traveled from Martinez, each value and the chance to assist a domestically owned enterprise have been key in selecting the place to purchase their tree this yr.
“It’s nice because you can pick a giant tree, a medium-sized tree or whatever fits your family — all for a good price,” mentioned Krista Cruickshank, an everyday buyer who arrived forward of the Black Friday rush.
The bushes at Santa’s Tree Farm and Village are grown straight on the farm and priced at $96, no matter measurement. In an period of rising prices on account of inflation, this consistency in pricing is a significant component for the household.
“Christmas trees are getting crazy expensive, but we’re willing to make the drive out here so we can pick whatever size we want for the same price. It’s really nice,” mentioned Cruickshank, who works in tech advertising.
Christmas tree growers within the area say they don’t count on important value will increase this yr. Relying on the scale, farm, tree kind and extra companies, costs at different farms and sellers can vary from as little as $65 to as excessive as $200 or extra.
For Dan and Natalie Sare, who’re celebrating their fiftieth yr of promoting Christmas bushes, being a choose-and-cut farm offers them the room to attenuate value hikes.
“We try not to raise them too much,” mentioned Natalie Sare of their costs. “We typically don’t raise them for several years.”
In its 2024 advisory, the Nationwide Christmas Tree Affiliation inspired consumers to start out early to safe the perfect choice.
“Due to their popularity, some choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms in parts of the U.S. sell out quickly,” the affiliation mentioned. “Shopping early in the season, right after Thanksgiving, is a good idea no matter where you plan to buy, as it gives you the widest range of options.”
Whereas provides could also be tight nationally, the affiliation assured customers that there shall be sufficient actual, farm-grown bushes for everybody who desires one.
“Since 2016, the supply of real trees has been limited, but each year shoppers have been able to find a tree,” the affiliation mentioned.
In line with the affiliation, about 25% of People purchased their Christmas bushes from choose-and-cut farms final yr. Others bought their bushes from chain shops (21%), nurseries (16%), retail tons (15%), nonprofit organizations such because the Boy Scouts or church buildings (13%), on-line retailers (6%), or different sources (4%).
Mark Scheberies, proprietor of Alhambra Christmas Tree Farm in Martinez and president of the California Christmas Tree Affiliation, mentioned costs in Northern California will stay comparatively secure this yr, with provide well-positioned to fulfill market demand.
“I think it’s really just going to be very similar to last year,” Scheberies mentioned. “There may be some markets with slight increases, but I’m not expecting any significant hikes. Farms have been planting like crazy over the last seven or eight years, and those trees are now ready. The market is actually as healthy as it’s been, with a good balance between supply and demand and no major shortages.”
Along with the favored Douglas firs, the Sares additionally develop cedar, redwood and Monterey pine bushes at their Half Moon Bay farm.
In addition they supply extra than simply bushes.
The Sares intention to offer households a full vacation expertise, that includes Santa visits on choose days, prepare rides, a present store and a puppet present created by their son, Michael.
Linda Stucky, an house supervisor from Belmont, visited the farm together with her niece Lexy Denis and brother-in-law Paul Bradicich. They chose a big Douglas fir for the household and a smaller one for her mom’s room.
“It was very fun. There were definitely a lot of options,” mentioned Denis. “All the trees were beautiful, and it was cool to see so many different types. It was fun to chop one down.”
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Bradicich mentioned he’s most trying ahead to utilizing 60-year-old vintage Christmas ornaments from once they used to spend Christmas in Lake Tahoe.
Denis mentioned she’s excited to embellish the tree whereas listening to Christmas music. For Stucky, the vacations are about “being together and having peace together.”
Scheberies mentioned the favored custom of going out to select a Christmas tree provides households an opportunity to “reconnect” and go away behind the challenges of the previous yr.
“A lot of people take their family photos for the year and do things like that,” he mentioned. “It’s a feel-good tradition — a way to kick off the holiday season, spend time together and forget about everything else.”
Sare mentioned her enterprise has weathered financial challenges in recent times as a result of vacation traditions tackle even larger that means in occasions of disaster.
“It’s a once-a-year purchase, so people feel really good about buying a Christmas tree,” Sare mentioned. “It’s a special tradition, and it makes them happy. Many people have told me they’re willing to spend the money because it’s something they only do once a year.”
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