Dealing with the Christmas tree shortage
Christmas trees for sale at a hardware store in Mount Prospect, Ill., Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
It's Christmas tree season, but in 2021, you might find it harder to get your hands on a real or artificial tree than in previous years. One of the reasons for this year’s shortage of real Christmas trees is a result of extreme weather in the Pacific Northwest and the shortage of artificial trees, which mostly come from China, are affected by the same supply chain issues hurting many industries. And if you want a locally grown Christmas tree from one of the over 250 Christmas tree farms in Illinois, you may have to hustle, as the shortage is impacting the tree market here. The 21st was joined by two Illinois Christmas tree farmers to talk about it.
GUESTS:
Robert Richardson
President of the Illinois Christmas Tree Association and co-owner of Richardson Farm in Spring Grove, Illinois
Rod Stahl
Owner of Cinnamon Tree Farm in Brimfield (Village in Peoria County)
Christmas tree shopping today? There's a shortage in Illinois, farmers say shop early. https://t.co/lYxV8UwdIJ
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) November 26, 2021
Prepared for web by Owen Henderson
Help shape our coverage on The 21st by joining our texting group and answering weekly questions. To join, text “TALK” to 217-803-0730 or sign up with your phone number below: