LAKE COUNTY >> If you have not already found a tree, many local shops are advising the public not to wait until the last minute to bring home a fresh-cut pine — especially during a country-wide shortage of trees, the National Christmas Tree Association reports.
Doug Hundley, a spokesman for the National Christmas Tree Association, said the smaller supply stems back to the start of the recession in 2007, forcing tree growers to plant fewer trees and with a demand higher than in previous years, “the market is tight.”
So, he suggested, “It might be a good idea to make the annual adventure, picking out a real tree this year in early December, rather than later when the selection may be less.”
The hunt for a real tree may be a little harder this Christmas season. Many took to social media to ask about tree sales around Lake County, to which several others responded with “I think that place closed down.”
One Clearlake Oaks resident said she used to visit Elk Mountain Christmas Tree Farm until it permanently closed after its owners retired. With no tree stands in sight, she decided to purchase an artificial tree at Walmart, while her friend bought from the nearest tree farm located in Ukiah.
You might have a chance at picking the perfect tree from a stand on December 1, thanks to Upper Lake High School’s Booster Club. President of the club Melanie Sneathen said it is the second annual tree stand that helps fundraise for the high school. This year, proceeds will go toward sports equipment for the cross-country, track-and-field, and baseball teams.
“We will have fresh-cut trees and wreaths that can last until late February. They’ll go by quick, though. We’ll be selling 75 trees at prices between $60 to $85,” Sneathen said.
The stand will operate December 1-5 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Noble Reality’s parking lot, 375 E. Highway 20, Upper Lake.
With only one order of about 250 trees delivered from Oregon, Denise Beall and Leland Garnett with Kelseyville Lumber said the supercenter is selling out quicker than last year. On Wednesday morning, they walked through the rows of Noble Firs and Douglas Firs, ranging from 4-feet to 9-feet tall.
“This Saturday we received our trees, and within the first few hours, we sold 53. That’s quite a big deal,” said Beall.
Garnett added that remaining supply will not last for long as people from across the county prefer fresh-cut trees. “What makes these stand out is that they aren’t out-of-the-cold storage trees, which are cut in June and then stored. That’s why so many needles fall off by the time people put them up,” Garnett said.
Bruno’s Shop Smart said that their original order of 330 trees, mostly Nordmann Fir, are selling rapidly.
Mendo Mill and Kmart also reported an early rise in tree sales.
