Don't believe what you hear about a Christmas tree 'shortage' in Wisconsin, experts say

The rumors of a Christmas tree shortage in Wisconsin have been greatly exaggerated.

It is true there are far fewer stands and farms in the state and nationally. But this simply means there are fewer places to get trees than there used to be.

Here's what the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association wants you to know.

Is there are Christmas tree shortage in Wisconsin?

Again, no. There wasn't one this year. There wasn't one last year.

The industry is changing though. There are fewer farms than there used to be, although Wisconsin is still ranked fifth in the country for Christmas tree production behind North Carolina, South Carolina, Oregon and Washington. The reason it seems like there are less trees is because there are fewer tree lots around the state.

"It used to be you could find tree lot right next door, but more of that is people aging out," said Greg Hann, promotions director for the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association. "But, it's super encouraging because as an association, we do see some younger generations coming in and starting to plant trees. So, we’re hoping the next generation will take over some of the farming industry."

Will Christmas trees cost more this year?

What doesn't cost more these days, right? Christmas trees are no different. Hann said the average price of a tree right now is $90 to $100 this year.

"Tree prices have gone up with inflation just like everything else," he said. "Over last couple of years, you’ve seen prices go up because of that inflation and because (of) labor costs increases, too. The prices have gone up but it’s still fairly normal for what you’re getting. ... I think to bring that for six weeks into your home, that cost isn’t a huge one compared to movie prices and gas prices and that kind of stuff."

Does Wisconsin produce a lot of Christmas trees?

Yes, it does. The Badger State ranks fifth in the nation behind Oregon, Washington, North Carolina and South Carolina in Christmas tree production.

There is no official tracking, but Hann said Wisconsin also ranks high on the list of states producing Christmas greenery like wreaths. His farm, Hann's Christmas Farm, in Oregon, Wisc., produces 7,000 wreaths each season. He hires about 100 seasonal workers to do this.

Did Wisconsin's drought affect Christmas tree production at all?

Yes, it did affect the small trees, Hann said. The trees that are one to two years old were affected. However, the harvestable trees, which are in the seven- to nine- foot range, were not affected. In fact, Hann said he was surprised to see that the trees gained density.

More:Some Wisconsin trees are changing color early this year. Here's why.

"It must’ve been the weird timing when the drought occurred," he said. "The tops still seemed to grow tall enough but the trees seemed to packed in with density, which is nice for the public."

Hann added that the drought conditions this year could effect trees eight years down the line.

"But, it’s pretty easy for those growers to go back into those rows and plant another tree," he said. "You lose a year of growth, but you plant another tree. Usually we can make up for that mortality rate of small trees."

Where are Christmas tree lots in Wisconsin?

There are tree lots and stands all around the state. If you're having trouble finding one, Hann recommends visiting the tree locators on the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association website and the National Christmas Tree Association website.

You can also check out our list of places in Wisconsin where you can cut down your own Christmas tree.

Drew Dawson can be reached at ddawson@jrn.com or 262-289-1324.