Why Do Christmas Trees Cost More This Year?

By Ann Carrns

There are fewer tree farms these days, and some were hit by severe weather. Plus, both real and fake trees have been affected by higher shipping costs.

Along with much else on the holiday shopping list, Christmas trees, both real and fake, are more expensive this year.

Prices for live cut trees have been creeping up and will run 5 to 10 percent higher, on average, than last year, said Doug Hundley, a seasonal spokesman for the National Christmas Tree Association, a trade group for tree growers.