Wyoming Christmas Tree Prices Remain Stable Despite Increased Demand and Supply Challenges

While many Christmas tree growers across the US have faced difficulties this year, including the impact of Hurricane Helene on tree farms in North Carolina, Wyoming’s live Christmas tree prices have remained relatively stable, Cowboy State Daily reports.

This is due in part to a drop in shipping costs, which has helped offset some of the challenges posed by higher demand and a disrupted supply chain.

Christmas tree growers often face unpredictable obstacles such as droughts, wildfires, and inflation. This year, Hurricane Helene’s devastation in North Carolina, the nation’s second-largest Christmas tree supplier, could have led to higher prices and shortages. However, Wyoming tree sellers have seen only slight price increases due to these factors.

Keith Kershaw, the owner of Landon’s Greenhouse & Nursery in Sheridan, has managed to keep prices for both small and large trees relatively unchanged, despite a $5 increase for mid-sized trees. He credits the decrease in freight costs over the past few years for this stability. However, Kershaw acknowledged that there is a shortage of trees on the market, driven by increased demand that has outpaced supply. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have opted for live Christmas trees, a trend that continues to rise.

In Cheyenne, Eldon Stillflew of Riverbend Nursery & Stone Company has noticed similar trends: increased demand for trees and a slight uptick in prices. However, finding good-quality trees has proven difficult this year, with supply struggling to keep pace. Similarly, in Casper, Shelby Andress of Galles Greenhouse and Rock Yard reported consistent sales, but noted that larger trees, in particular, have been hard to obtain for the last six years.

The challenges faced by Christmas tree growers are compounded by the fact that live trees take years to grow. A typical 6- to 8-foot tree requires around 10 years to mature, meaning that disruptions to the supply chain—such as those caused by wildfires, hurricanes, or drought—have long-lasting effects. For example, the 2021 heat wave in Oregon, the nation’s leading tree supplier, destroyed thousands of trees, further contributing to the current supply issues.

Despite these challenges, the price for a live Christmas tree in Wyoming for 2024 is expected to range from $80 to $100, a 10% increase compared to previous years. This reflects ongoing inflation and the residual effects of past supply shortages.

Kershaw, who has decades of experience in the business, remains optimistic. He particularly favors Fraser firs, which are well-suited for Wyoming’s dry climate. These trees, known for their durability and fragrance, have become a favorite for many customers.

To keep a live tree fresh throughout the holiday season, Kershaw recommends cutting 1 to 2 inches off the tree’s stump before placing it in a bucket of room-temperature water within an hour of purchase. He advises against social media “hacks” such as using boiling water to keep the sap from freezing, as this could harm the tree. Proper placement, away from heat sources and drafts, and regular monitoring of the water level are key to maintaining the tree’s freshness.