If you waited to purchase a live Christmas tree in Greenwood this year, you’re probably out of luck.
As of 8:45 a.m. this morning, only six trees could be located for sale anywhere in town.
A pop-up lot on Grenada Boulevard promised trees of any size for $50. Going into this past weekend, it still had an ample supply remaining from two truckloads delivered last week. But they have been gobbled up. By this morning, just one lonesome tree remained, with no more expected.
At Farmers Market Nursery on U.S. 82, a row of trees with red “Sold” tags lined the produce shed. In the center of the plant yard, only five trees remained for sale — four small firs and a single large one. According to a sales clerk at the Farmers Market, there will be no more trees delivered due to a Christmas tree shortage this year.
The shortage appears to be widespread.
Carrollton has no trees either. According to Mayor Pam Lee, the lone Christmas tree farm in Carroll County, where she has bought her tree for many years, is now closed.
A search of the Southern Christmas Tree Growers Association website shows a number of Christmas tree farms in Mississippi but none in the Delta.
According to the Daily Journal in Tupelo, North Mississippi is experiencing high prices and a short supply for live trees.
Nationally, several factors have contributed to the shortage. One is extensive wildfires this past summer in Oregon, where the largest number of fir trees, the most popular Christmas tree in the United States, are grown. Additionally, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, traditional tree farms in that state dropped 20 to 30 percent from 2010 to 2015.
The National Christmas Tree Association reports that fewer trees were planted seven to 10 years ago during the economic recession and many farmers exited the market at that time, resulting in higher prices and a tighter supply.
Though national forest in some parts of the country allows Christmas tree cutting on specified dates with permits required, the Delta National Forest at Rolling Fork does not.
Farmers Market Nursery’s best advice, at this point, is to buy a potted cypress or spruce, decorate it for the season, then plant it in your yard.
But better be quick about it. There are only four or five pots left.
•Contact Kathryn Eastburn at 581-7235 or keastburn@gwcommonwealth.com.
